Liverpool vs Manchester City Prediction and Betting Odds

Manchester City are about to play their first Premier League match since being found guilty of 114 financial breaches – and it couldn’t be a more intimidating clash to play.

They head to Liverpool, whose fans warned City will face a hostile reception at Anfield.

We expect fireworks when this match kicks off on Monday, October 12, at 1.30am (AEST).

Quick Picks

Our pick: Liverpool to win

Value bet: Alexander Isak 2+ shots on target

Long shot: Over 3.5 cards in the match

Betting Preview

Things could not have gone better on the pitch for Manchester City so far this season.

Five games, five wins, 13 goals scored and nearest rivals Arsenal dropping points last time out.

Cruising, right? Well, things have changed since their last league game on September 20 (a 5-3 cracker against Sunderland).

The club were found guilty by an independent commission of 114 financial breaches, and while that’s more of a boardroom issue than a player issue, it’s definitely going to be interesting to see if those on the pitch have been affected mentally.

And it couldn’t be a tougher test for them. Liverpool are tough enough… but at Anfield? Now that’s a real rest.

Interestingly, this is going to be the first meeting of the clubs since 2015 that neither former City boss Pep Guardiola or ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp are involved in.

New City boss Enzo Maresca will be desperate for his club to do some talking on the pitch, while Liverpool’s Andrea Iraola will be urging his side to heap more misery on his rivals.

Betting Markets to Watch

This one is a tight one to call, as is being reflected in the markets. Neither are racing away in the betting, with the draw offering most value.

But we think there will be a result here. While Manchester City won at Anfield last season, they haven’t enjoyed back-to-back away league wins against Liverpool since 1953.

That makes the draw or a Liverpool win statistically more likely, and with the Anfield fans roaring their side on and making it super intimidating for City, plus the fact that Liverpool like to press fast and hard under Iraola, Liverpool to win could be the market to watch.

And, should he play, their star striker Alexander Isak is in great form. He’s already got four goals in five games, including the winner in a 1-0 victory over Iraola’s former club Bournemouth on the opening day of the season.

He’s averaging 2.6 shots per 90 minutes in the league this season, and has attempted more three-plus shots in four of the five games.

While the Liverpool defence will possibly prove his sternest test so far, the Reds are creating chances, scoring two goals in each of their last three games.

This game is likely to be frenetic, too, with plenty of no-nonsense tackles flying in. In the corresponding fixture last season there were six yellow cards and one red.

Expect more of the same, especially with the additional anger surrounding Manchester City’s financial misdemeanours. As a result, over 3.5 cards in the game looks like a potential value option.

Of those likely to receive a card, Enzo Fernandez has played three times for City so far this season, and conceded 2+ fouls in two of those games. Meanwhile, left-back Milos Kerkez takes things even further with 2+ fouls in four of his last eight Premier League games.

Our Prediction

Check the latest Liverpool vs Man City betting odds at Sportsbet.

We think a Liverpool win is the most likely outcome and expect Alexander Isak to be in the heart of the action. Isak attempting 2+ shots on target could offer value.

There are likely to be plenty of tasty tackles flying around in an emotional atmosphere, and with the number of cards in this game last season, over 3.5 cards in the game almost looks quite conservative.