Liverpool vs Manchester City preview

December 29, 2016
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Liverpool and Manchester City have done well of late to keep up with leaders Chelsea, but only one of them will be able to end 2016 with a win.

With both teams in great form and a lot at stake, we should see a highly entertaining affair when the two sides meet at Anfield.

In spite of some initial struggles, Jurgen Klopp has clearly turned Liverpool into genuine title contenders, as team’s performances this season have been nothing short of impressive.

The Reds are a bit unlucky to have mounted a title challenge in the season where most top sides are enjoying outstanding campaigns, but there is little they can do about it.

After suffering a minor dip in form, Liverpool have returned to the right track, defeating the likes of Middlesbrough, Everton and Stoke City in their last three fixtures.

The Reds did really well to compensate for the absence of Philippe Coutinho, with Adam Lallana stepping up the plate and they can now be backed at 2.38 (11/8) to see off Man City as well.

Simon Mignolet should start in goal despite another blunder, whereas Ragnar Klavan will be preferred to Joel Matip, who lacks match fitness.

Divock Origi is again expected to lead the line, whereas Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino will provide support from the flanks.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Mignolet – Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner – Lallana, Henderson, Wijnaldum – Mane, Origi, Firmino.

Pep Guardiola has found English Premier League to be much tougher than he expected, but the Catalan coach has worked hard and somehow managed to get Man City back on track.

The Citizens overcame a very difficult period to record three consecutive Premier League victories, climbing to third in the overall standings.

The confidence is high following wins over Watford, Arsenal and Hull City, but with Chelsea still seven points in front, Man City need to continue the bright run.

Pep Guardiola will be delighted to welcome back star striker Sergio Aguero after a four-match ban, despite the fact that Kelechi Iheanacho has scored yet another goal from the bench.

The Nigerian has become Premier League record holder in the minute per goal category, but he will again start from the bench.

With Pablo Zabaleta and John Stones struggling for fitness, Bacary Sagna and Aleksandar Kolarov will continue at the back.

Yaya Toure is expected to keep his place, meaning that Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne will play either side of Sergio Aguero.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Bravo – Sagna, Otamendi, Kolarov, Clichy – Toure, Fernandinho, Silva – Sterling, Aguero, De Bruyne.

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