After an extraordinary weekend of football shocks, Man City will be hoping to bounce back from their defeat against Sunderland. Liverpool’s season hasn’t really sparked into life but could send a huge message to those in the chase for the Champions League spots with a victory at the Etihad Stadium. Can Liverpool put a stop to Man City’s unstoppable home form, or will City be able to bounce back with a win?

Man City – PL Form: LWWDL

Man City lost out in dramatic fashion against Sunderland on New Year’s Day. Roberto Mancini decided to rest many in preparation for this game. Sergio Aguero has taken to the Premier League with ease following his summer move and will be expected to return to the starting eleven. The odds on him scoring first are 5/1 from Stan James.

Man City have kept 4 clean sheets in their last 5 home games against Liverpool. The odds on City keeping another clean sheet are 6/4 from bet365.

Man City beat Liverpool 3-0 at home last season. If they are to repeat the score line this week, you can get odds of 16/1 from Coral.

Liverpool – PL Form: WWDDW

Liverpool’s season has been full of surprises ranging from an away win against Chelsea, to a home draw to struggling Blackburn on Boxing Day. Friday night’s victory over Newcastle saw Craig Bellamy grab a brace against his former club. Bellamy will have a point to prove against Mancini, having hardly getting a look-in with the Italian in charge. Coral are offering odds of 7/2 for Bellamy to score against the Sky Blues at any time in the match.

Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard are likely to be in the starting line up in the match. Liverpool’s attacking front could be very strong, showing that there could be a lot of goals in the game. You can get odds of 5/1 for there to be over 4.5 goals in the game at Paddy Power and Sky Bet.

Prediction – Man City to win 3-2 (28/1 Skybet)

Liverpool have had two extra days since their last match than their opponents and the return of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez will lead to plenty of force in the attack. However, City should be able to overcome the Reds with Mancini being expected to recall the big names following Sunday’s shock defeat at Sunderland.

Article by Nick Whittaker