Manchester City vs. Liverpool preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Both teams have been involved in direct title contests for the most part of the last decade, and they will hope to serve another masterclass as chasers.

City thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-1 in the UEFA Champions League, making it their sixth win in seven matches (L1). That victory followed a 3-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth at the Etihad last weekend, which took them to second place, six points off the summit.

The Cityzens have often triumphed against reigning league champions, winning 10 of the last 12 matches (1D, 1L).

After a solid start to the season, when they secured seven straight matches across all competitions, Liverpool saw everything turn to ashes with six losses in seven matches (1W).

However, the Reds have bounced back with two successive clean sheet wins over Aston Villa (2-0) in the league and a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the UCL.

Arne Slot will hope this form counts when they hit the road this weekend, having lost their last three away games.

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Liverpool won 2-0 in both legs of their meetings with City last season and will now look to win successive away league games against the hosts for the first time since 1991. 

Before that, City lost only two of the prior 12 league meetings between both sides (W4, D6).

Manchester City will once again be without Rodri, who missed the clash with Borussia Dortmund as he continues to manage a minor physical issue. 

In midfield, Mateo Kovacic remains the only definite absentee for City, with the Croatian sidelined long-term due to an ankle injury. 

Liverpool, meanwhile, are sweating on the fitness of Alexander Isak, who remains doubtful after a groin injury picked up in the Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt. 

The visitors will also be without Jeremie Frimpong, Alisson Becker, and Giovanni Leoni. 

Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Gonzalez; Cherki, Silva, Foden, Doku; Haaland

Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike

Liverpool have wobbled in defence for the better part of this season, and not much can be taken from their last two wins, as the opponents did not test them with their long-ball weakness.

City have shown this season that they can mix it up, but the Cityzens also have clear weaknesses at the back that the Reds have the tools to exploit.

Correct score prediction: Man City 2-2 Liverpool

Betting tips:

• Over 2.5

• Both teams to score

• Second half over 0.5 goals