Prior to the start of every season, soccer fans are in the habit of going through the entire schedule to find the very best matchups that the league has to offer. The reality is that many of the higher profile games end up being a little dull, while games between a pair of mid-table teams supply all the thrills and action. A game that looks great on paper can potentially prove to be a dud; such are the high-pressure stakes in the race for a title. Let’s see how these teams arrive to this matchup, along with their Premier League odds.
Liverpool Vs City Game Preview
What happens, though when the title race is over, and a pair of heavyweights go head to head? Will they stand toe to toe and go at one another for 90 minutes, or will the match dissolve into a dull affair? We will get the answer to that question on Thursday afternoon when EPL champions Liverpool go on the road to face Manchester City. We all hoped that these two would deliver a title race as good as last season, but Liverpool ran away with things. City are in as slight favorites at home, with the goal total for this one set at 3.
Why bet on Manchester City
This is going to be a rather strange offseason for City, as they may end up losing some key personnel if their 2-year European ban is upheld by UEFA. That answer should come sometime in July, so for now, it’s all about finishing the season as strongly as possible. They bounced back nicely from a 2-1 loss to Chelsea, a defeat that handed Liverpool the title, by beating Newcastle to move into the semi-finals of the FA Cup. That competition, as well as the completion of the Champions League in August, is going to be their main focus now, but you know they would love to get one over on the champions. City lost 3-1 to Liverpool in their earlier league meeting this season, but they are 11-2-2 at home, scoring 41 and surrendering just 12.
Why bet on Liverpool
The big question that needs to be answered here is just how motivated Liverpool will be to go out and put on a show now that the league title has been clinched. You do, though, have a feeling that Liverpool might want to really flex their muscles, especially given how City pipped them at the post last season. Winning the league by as large a margin as possible might be just what the Reds have in mind. They certainly looked the part in their last game, thumping Crystal Palace 4-0 in a game that looked more like an exhibition match than a legitimate contest. Liverpool lost 2-1 to Manchester City when they visited the Etihad last season, but they have the best road record in the EPL this year, going 12-2-1, scoring 26 goals and surrendering just 9.
General Match Info Liverpool Vs Manchester City
- When: Thursday, July 2 at 3:15 PM EST
- Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Liverpool Vs City Live: NBCSN
- Money Lines: Liverpool wins +223 / Manchester City wins +104 / Draw +269
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
I have a feeling that both teams are going to come out and have a real go here, which should lead to an entertaining game, not to mention lots of goal. That is why I am leaning towards the over on Thursday afternoon.
Pick: Manchester City 2 Liverpool 2
