* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
In what looks to be the most exciting title race we’ve had for several years, Sunday evening offers up a mouth-watering top of the table clash as Liverpool welcome defending champions Manchester City to Anfield. The Reds come into the weekend as the only side yet to taste defeat in the league, topping the scoring charts with 15 goals in their opening six games.
A thrilling 3-3 draw last weekend against Premier League new-boys Brentford will have greatly disappointed Jurgen Klopp, with some sloppy defending and finishing costing them all three points. Despite this minor setback, the Reds bounced straight back with a 5-1 rout in midweek over an underwhelming Porto side.
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Liverpool v Manchester City – Sunday, October 3: 16.30
Sky Sports Premier League
For City, Sunday’s match caps off a week of three huge games. Last weekend saw them put in the performance of the season, thus far, as they dominated title rivals Chelsea in what was a very comfortable 1-0 victory. The tactical organisation displayed and the intensity at which City pressed and suffocated their opponents just highlighted once again how good Pep’s men can be on their day.
In midweek, a 2-0 defeat on paper probably doesn’t fairly reflect what went on away to PSG. City were very much in the game for long periods and missed some gilt-edged chances before a certain Mr. Messi worked his magic.
Looking ahead to the game itself this weekend, it looks set to be another fascinating tactical duel between two of the best minds in the business. Last year City ran out 4-1 winners but I wouldn’t give that result any consideration at all – an empty Anfield and a central defensive partnership of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho on the day firmly stacked the deck against the Reds.
Sunday will see a full Anfield, which is unrivalled for atmosphere in these big games. Equally important as the fans being back in the stands, is the return of Virgil Van Dijk – not just for the solidity he provides at the back, but his ability to spray accurate diagonals quickly from back to front will help negate the intense City press.
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Liverpool (+1)
Current match prices look fair enough to my eye. The title won’t be won on Sunday but neither side will want to give up any ground and risk too much. Should the game remain close after an hour or so, I think both managers will be happy to move on with a share of the spoils. Given the week gruelling week City have had – I think they will be more than happy with four points from trips to Stamford Bridge and Anfield.
With fresher bodies and minds – and a full house driving them on, the impetus will be with Liverpool here and that’s why I’m leaning towards them. Liverpool (+1) goal on the Handicap Betting looks a safe first leg.
Mohamed Salah to have 2 Or More Shots On Target
As mentioned, I’m expecting a fast start to this one and Liverpool will look to get their biggest threat on the ball from the first whistle. Mo Salah has been in sensational form so far this season, with five league goals to his name it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he currently sits top of the Shots on Target rankings too.
Averaging 2 Shots on Target per 90 so far this year – Liverpool’s Egyptian king will shoot on sight. The current price of for Salah to Have 2 or More Shots on Target looks like another solid Bet Builder leg.
Jack Grealish to have 1 Or More Shots On Target
Continuing with the Shots on Target market, I also like the look of Jack Grealish to nab himself at least one this weekend. The record signing is really starting to find his feet now with his new club and was denied a goal last weekend by a wonderful finger-tip save from Edouard Mendy.
With Salah paying little attention to his defensive duties, expect Grealish to find himself with plenty of space down the left wing. He’s in for just shy of 1 Shot on Target per 90 so far this season and I expect one or two chances to fall his way this time out.
James Milner to be Booked
My final Bet Builder leg, again, centres around Jack Grealish. In the previous two seasons, Grealish has been the Premier League’s most fouled player. A trend that looks set to continue again this campaign.
He currently draws 2.7 fouls per 90 and will likely find himself one v one with James Milner this weekend. In Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected absence Liverpool will look to a makeshift right back. A couple of weeks ago Milner started here against Crystal Palace and committed five fouls and somehow managed to evade a booking. I don’t think he’ll be so lucky here and I expect James Milner to be Booked.
Liverpool v Man City Bet Builder
Liverpool (+1)
Mohamed Salah to have 2 Or More Shots On Target
Jack Grealish to have 1 Or More Shots On Target
James Milner to be Booked
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* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
More Tips for Sunday
- DOUBLE: Trader’s 11/1 Palace v Leicester & Spurs v West Ham Bet
- TREBLE: Sunday’s Mega 39/1 2pm Kick-Off Flutter
- ACCA: Fab 58/1 Five-Fold For Sunday’s Biggest Games
- THOMMO: 12/1 Treble For Palace, Spurs & West Ham
- BEST BETS: Thommo & Trader’s 6 Liverpool v Man City Shouts
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