There’s something about a massive Premier League clash with Manchester City at Anfield that still makes the hairs on your arms stand up, even if the table doesn’t look quite like it has in previous seasons. As we welcome Pep’s men this Sunday, the stakes are as high as ever, just for different reasons.
While City are chasing Arsenal for the title, we’re in the thick of a gritty battle for a top four place and qualification for next season’s Champions League. Arne Slot has weathered a rough winter, but last week’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle felt like the Reds finally found their swagger again.
After months of settling in, the emergence of Florian Wirtz has been the spark we needed. With nine goal involvements in his last eleven games, he’s starting to look like good value for the £116m we paid Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
Liverpool injury woes
It wouldn’t be a Liverpool season without a defensive headache. With Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong sidelined, it looks like Dominik Szoboszlai might have to fill in at right-back again.
It’s a massive ask against City’s pace, but if anyone has the engine for it, it’s Dom. We’re also sweating on Joe Gomez, though the hope is he can at least make the bench to give us some cover.
Can Liverpool win?
City might be second, but they aren’t invincible. They haven’t won an away game in their last three trips, and they’ve been leaking goals on the road. Meanwhile, Liverpool haven’t lost a league game to City at Anfield since the “ghost game” of 2021.
With Mo Salah looking sharp after returning from AFCON and Hugo Ekitike on fire at the moment, we can exploit a City defense that will be missing Gvardiol and likely John Stones.
It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be tense and, as always, form goes out the window when these two meet. Up the Reds.
Having a bet on the game? Get the best odds, boosts and sign-up offers here
(18+ GambleAware, T&C apply)
