Manchester City vs. Liverpool Prediction: Reds Seek Major Step Towards Title

• Manchester City are focused on a top-five finish and Champions League soccer

• Liverpool hold an eight-point lead at the top of the table going into the weekend

• This is a pivotal game in the title race and Arsenal will be watching on closely

Manchester City vs. Liverpool Odds

Check out the latest odds for the Manchester City vs Liverpool matchup and place your bets at some of the best soccer sportsbooks available today!

Manchester City vs Liverpool Pick

Back Liverpool to beat Manchester City this weekend. The Reds are the better team and they can prove their superiority here.

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Man City Suffer Another Setback Ahead of Liverpool Game

When Manchester City thrashed Newcastle United 4-0 last weekend, some supporters of the club dared to believe that they had turned over a new leaf. City looked revitalized against the Magpies, with three January signings - Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov - all playing a key role in their most handsome Premier League home win of the season.

A few days later, City were brought back down to earth with a thud. A 3-1 loss to Real Madrid sent them crashing out of the Champions League before the round of 16. It was a humbling defeat for City. They were completely outplayed by Madrid, who played with more energy, dynamism and ideas than their opponents, who only really created chances once they had gone 3-0 down. “The best team won,” Guardiola admitted afterwards.

City’s elimination from the Champions League means they now only have two things to play for. One is the FA Cup, which provides the only source of potential silverware this term. The second is qualification for next season’s edition of Europe’s premier tournament. A top-four finish is usually required for that, but the Premier League will almost certainly be granted an additional qualification berth this season.

City are in a reasonably strong position. They sit fourth in the standings and the sportsbooks expect them to ultimately climb above Nottingham Forest in third. But things are tight in that part of the table. If results go against them in the coming days, City could easily find themselves sixth at the end of the weekend. Aston Villa in ninth are only five points adrift of the champions.

This is a massive game in the title race, of course, but City’s predicament means it also has implications for the multi-pronged tussle for the top five.

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Liverpool Still in Control of Title Race but Not Over the Line Yet

Liverpool were also in action in midweek, drawing 2-2 with Aston Villa in a game that was brought forward from March 16 due to the Reds’ participation in the EFL Cup final that day. That result extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points, although that advantage will be cut to five if Arsenal win their game in hand.

Liverpool’s performances have left a lot to be desired of late. They were dumped out of the FA Cup by Plymouth Argyle in a shock result in the fourth round. Arne Slot’s side were then lackluster in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, drawing 2-2. They subsequently held on to a 2-1 lead over Wolverhampton Wanderers by the skin of their teeth.

Liverpool did not get the result they wanted at Villa Park, but their all-round showing was better. They took advantage of Villa’s defensive deficiencies, exploiting their high line and capitalizing on their struggles to build from the back. On the balance of chances created, Liverpool were the better team. But they were let down by their wastefulness in and around the penalty area.

Liverpool keep threatening to pull clear at the summit of the standings, but this dogged Arsenal team refuses to go away. The Gunners are without several attacking players right now; they are down to the bare bones in the final third. Yet Mikel Arteta’s men, who are on a 15-game unbeaten run, are still in the title picture.

Arsenal face West Ham United on Saturday, so a win there would see Liverpool’s lead cut to five points at kick-off at the Etihad Stadium. That would put a little bit more pressure on Slot’s side as the title favorites.

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A Victory Here Would Feel Massive for Liverpool’s Title Bid

Manchester City’s confidence must have taken a hit after the manner of the defeat by Real Madrid. Guardiola’s side are not used to being out of the hunt for silverware in the Premier League and Champions League this early in the season, and it could take a few weeks for the whole club to adjust.

In the meantime, Liverpool will aim to take advantage. The Etihad has been a tough place to go for visiting teams for much of the Guardiola era, but Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United - two teams who are much weaker than this Liverpool outfit - have both won there in recent months. Madrid also triumphed at City’s home last week.

Liverpool have looked a little less secure defensively in recent outings, but the probable absence through injury of Erling Haaland means City’s attacking threat will be reduced. At the other end, Liverpool’s speed in transition should allow them to cause their opponents plenty of problems, since City have continually struggled to stop opposition breaks without Rodri.

In recent seasons, this has usually been a clash between two title contenders. This term, there is no doubt that Liverpool are a superior side to City. With that in mind, go for an away win at the Etihad on Sunday. Sometimes it is best to keep it simple.

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How to Watch Manchester City vs. Liverpool

• Teams: Manchester City vs Liverpool

• Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England

• Date and Time: Sunday, 23 February 2025, 11.30 AM ET 

• How to Watch: Peacock Premium