THERE’s a High Noon showdown at Anfield as Liverpool host Man City. We’d love to know what Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) thinks of this one.
Liverpool v Man City | Sunday 12:00 | Sky Sports 1
This match is taking place on Sunday afternoon, but all anyone wants to talk about is Thursday night.
Back then of course Liverpool were on the losing end of an extra time and penalty shoot out defeat to Besiktas in the Europa League. That energy-sapping elimination in Turkey has sent them wandering in the market and they’re as big as 11/5 to win at Anfield on Sunday.
When you consider this is a side unbeaten at home for nearly four months, it looks a big price. But surely, surely, that spirit crushing episode will have an effect on this game?
We’ve seen how much Everton, Tottenham, and even Celtic have struggled in their post-Europa League Sunday fixtures, so with Liverpool up against the champions it wouldn’t be outrageous to presume a similar effect?
In all likelihood yes, but now it all comes down to price. Do you back Man City away at 7/5 against a side unbeaten in the league in 2015? Not sure I can to be honest.
I think Liverpool’s exit from the Europa League will be a blessing in disguise. They weren’t deep enough in the competition for their elimination to really shudder their spirit, and it now leaves them free to focus on a Top 4 slot and a tilt at the FA Cup.
I can see them scoring here. They’ve notched in seven of their last eight Premier League matches at Anfield, plus that strong team vibe will still be prevalent I feel.
Man City might score more, but it’s interesting they haven’t won at Anfield for 12 years. Another stat I like is that Over 2.5 Goals has paid out in six of the last seven matches between these sides.
There’s lots at stake here, and I do think Brendan Rodgers is capable of extinguishing any mental (if not physical) doubt after Thursday night to get his troops up for this. Similarly, I think Man City will produce a performance more akin to the one last weekend against Newcastle than the first half against Barcelona three days later.
I’ll dip into the Asian Handicap Goal Line and back Over 3 at 13/10 with BetVictor. The beauty of leaning on the Asian Handicap line is that I’ll get my cash back if exactly three are scored.
Best Bets
Liverpool v Man City – Over 3 Goals Asian Handicap Goal Line (13/10 BetVictor)
6/1 Man City to beat Liverpool
Wow! Ladbrokes are going balls-out on Sunday by offering 6/1 on Man City for new customers. Anyone keen?
TOPICS English Football Tips Football Premier League Tips
