Ah Premier League football, welcome back sweet one.
Having waved a fond(ish) farewell to international action until March, domestic affairs kick back into top gear with a top-flight six-pointer.
As first and second meet on Saturday lunchtime, Manchester City and Liverpool clash at the Etihad Stadium with just a single point between them.
With the season now a third of the way through its course, this weekend’s duel may yet prove pivotal.
Normal service
In what will be a 225th meeting in all comps, most of the more recent battles between City and Liverpool have been set to the backdrop of the league title.
After somewhat of an offseason for the Reds last term, Liverpool arrive in Manchester very much back on an even keel with their hosts.
Thumped 4-1 when they last met back in April, the Cityzen juggernaut steamrollered Jurgen Klopp’s men en-route to overhauling Arsenal to retain the league title.
The boss on #MCILIV, @MoSalah and @Darwinn99‘s link-up, Alexis Mac Allister and more 🗣️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 24, 2023
For this latest edition though, Liverpool look poised to strike for the league summit.
With all three of Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez on the scoresheet during the international break, and with Salah and Diogo Jota both on target against Brentford last time out, Liverpool look well-set.
Notching away wins at Newcastle and an improving Wolves for show so far this season, a City scalp would be the ultimate pointer of their latest form run.
Spoilt for goals
Not only are Liverpool back in the goals, Pep Guardiola’s men are once again scoring for fun.
Sharing the spoils in an eight-goal Premier League classic with Chelsea a fortnight ago, Erling Haaland took his tally to 13 for the season with a brace at Stamford Bridge.
But his doubtful status ahead of the game throws City’s prep into a little uncertainty.
Haaland picked up an ankle injury for Norway during the international break, and his doctor away on duty stated he was ‘in so much pain’.
Knowing this, Liverpool will be keen to make his afternoon of greater discomfort.
Reds a value punt
So what will be the tale this time around?
Given their recent goal-scoring exploits, anything less than a repeat of the back-to-back 2-2 double during the 2021/22 campaign would be a surprise.
But for punters looking for an outright result, the visitors could take the points back down the M62.
Liverpool have not beaten Man City in the league on the road since 2015, when – almost eight years to the day – a Philippe Coutinho-inspired Liverpool put the hosts to the sword 4-1.
However, this Reds outfit have fully rediscovered their touch in front of goal, particularly in the league.
At an inviting 7/2 with BetUK, Liverpool look real value.
If nothing else, TWO Liverpool goals at 13/8 with BoyleSports is an alternative.
