Liverpool v Manchester City – The Opposition

Manchester City travel to Merseyside, knowing that three points on Sunday will not only strengthen the blues position but also will dent the Reds title defence. City have been on a great run of form, while Liverpool have lost their last two at home.

However, the blues have not won at Anfield sine 2003 and usually come away from the red half of Merseyside empty-handed. Will it be the same on Sunday?

Form

Liverpool’s form has been erratic, not just since the turn of the year, but all season. The Reds won their opening three matches, but then lost 7-2 at Aston Villa, in one of the most bizarre results inflicted on defending champions in Premier League history.

Although they won 7-0 at Crystal Palace on 18^th December, Liverpool’s next league win didn’t arrive until 28^th January, ending a five match winless run. However, they have failed to score at home since being held to a 1-1 draw with relegation candidates West Brom.

And their long, unbeaten home record, which has barely had a mention in the media, has well and truly crashed as both Burnley and Brighton have recorded successive 1-0 wins on Mersey red soil, and a win for City will mean three straight home defeats for Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Danger Men

Mohamed Salah is the main threat form Liverpool, having scored 21 goals from 31 games. With 72 shots at goal, the Egyptian striker leads the attacking stats, and has a goal conversion ratio of 29% and a shot accuracy of 69%.

If he plays, Sadio Mane is the next threat, however the usually prolific Senegalise striker has only scored 10 goals from 28 matches.

Assists have been provided by Roberto Firmino, who has 6 from 31 appearances, but it’s Andrew Robinson who has the better ratio. Robinson has played 30 matches so far, attempted 2,112 passes, higher than any other team member and completed 1,774. He has created 44 chances and his pass accuracy is 84%.

Who’s The Boss?

Jurgen Klopp is still in charge at Anfield, and is looking for his second league title as Reds boss.

Last Time

The last time these two met was in November, when the two teams drew 1-1. Last time at Anfield, Liverpool ran out 3-1 winners.