Premier League – Man City vs Liverpool

Man City vs Liverpool betting preview

Another FIFTY million pounds has been splashed since Manchester City’s fortunate opening away day draw at Spurs. The world’s richest club dipped further into their endless war chest to sign Inter wonderkid Mario Ballotelli and James Milner from Aston Villa this week – but can it buy Mancini a first three points of the new season against Liverpool? Well, considering both may not start against the Reds the answer is probably NO! Nonetheless, City’s Italian head coach will be hoping his new-look side can make an immediate impact at Eastlands in their pursuit of the Premier League title. Roy Hodgson is preparing for his first away game as Liverpool boss but can his side throw a spanner in the works and spoil the City party?

Tottenham could count themselves both unlucky and unfortunate not to beat Man City last weekend but in Joe Hart they came across a goalkeeper who was simply unbeatable. The England ace produced an array of top-draw saves to snuff out the goal threat of Spurs’ Jermain Defoe and others and it was just so fitting he scooped the Man of the Match accolade. But he’ll be hoping for a much quieter evening on Monday and his team are best priced 7/5 with William Hill to claim a home win. Roberto Mancini looks set to go all out attack in this one after seemingly adopting a defensive approach at White Hart Lane last time and big hitters Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor could get off the mark for the season. The Citizens really need to win this one to steal a march on their Merseyside rivals and deliver a statement of intent to their fans early in the season.

Eager to put last campaigns disappointment, Liverpool were minutes away from starting this season on the correct footing against Arsenal last Sunday. A rare Pepe Reina fumble in the dying stages meant it was a case of two points dropped rather than one gained for the Kop who had Joe Cole sent off earlier in the game. However, Hodgson would have been pleased with the desire and commitment of his team, who took the lead with 10 men and this buoyancy, can be carried over against star-studded City. David N’gog reminded his new manager of his capabilities by scoring the opener that day, but perhaps more pleasing on Merseyside was the brief substitute appearance of Fernando Torres in Europe in midweek. The Spaniard on course to return from injury, looked sharp and lively in the twenty minutes field time he got against Turkish side Trabzonspor at Anfield. Odds around the 9/4 (SkyBet) mark are being bandied about for a Liverpool away win at Man City, which seems generous considering Liverpool are unbeaten at Eastlands in the last five years, recording two wins and three draws.

Our old friend the draw on paper looks the most likely outcome at 9/4 (Bet365), a goalless draw has been played out in three of the last four meetings between the pair at Eastlands so this might be worth considering at 8/1 with Ladbrokes. Although, such is the attacking prowess it might be wise to expect goals at both ends, and both teams to score seems reasonable at EVENS (William Hill). Both teams looked vulnerable in defence in midweek despite not conceding against Timosoara and Trabzonspor respectively. As ever with Manchester City, it’s difficult to predict the first goalscorer as there are so many different avenues to look down. As expected Carlos Tevez and Adebayor head the market at around 6/1 (general).The longshot wager could rest with Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt though, he’s scored at Eastlands before in a 3-2 victory in 2008 and at 14/1 with Victor Chandler he seems overpriced to grab the first.

This game has all the credentials to be a tight-knit affair but goals should come at both ends, although the 7/5 for a City win must not be overlooked and they can register their first win in front of their own fans. Don’t expect it to be easy pickings as it could take time for Mancini’s men to get in behind a stubborn Reds backline. The half time market for this reason must be explored, and the 13/8 (William Hill) for a goalless first forty-five could be nailed on.

Recommended bets: Goal less first half at 13/8 with William Hill – click for free bet

Man City to win at best odds 7/5 with Bet 365 – New customers get £200 free.

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By Mikey Mumford

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