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Liverpool’s upcoming trip to Manchester City promises to be one of the Premier League’s standout fixtures this early season.
With both sides locked in a tight title race, every point matters.
City currently sit on 19 points, just one ahead of Liverpool, who have 18.
The rivalry between these two clubs has always produced high-stakes matches, and Sunday’s clash is no different.
Fans can expect a game where fine margins decide the outcome.
Liverpool’s squad comes into the match with renewed confidence after a midweek European performance.
The 1–0 win over Real Madrid showcased the Reds’ ability to control elite opposition.
Opta’s post-match data showed Liverpool generated 2.58 expected goals compared to Madrid’s 0.45.
Virgil van Dijk led a solid backline, limiting Madrid to just eight shots, while Andy Robertson’s resurgence on the left provides balance and stability.
Creativity could be the decisive factor this weekend. Florian Wirtz has quietly emerged as a key playmaker, creating five chances in one half against Madrid.
That was the most by any Liverpool player in a single half since January.
On the attacking front, Mohamed Salah continues to chase milestones, and the potential return of Alexander Isak adds further options up front, though manager Arne Slot warned supporters not to expect him to be “at his best immediately.”
Opta prediction and key stats ahead of the Etihad clash
According to Opta’s supercomputer, which ran 10,000 pre-match simulations, Manchester City are favorites for the game.
The data gives Pep Guardiola’s side a 45.4% chance of winning, while Liverpool’s chances are pegged at 27.7%, with a 26.9% probability of a draw.
These numbers highlight the challenge ahead but also underline how tight the gap is between the league’s top sides.
Individual battles could also define the fixture.
Erling Haaland needs just two goals to reach 100 Premier League strikes, while Salah is one goal or assist away from surpassing Wayne Rooney’s record for most goal involvements at a single club.
Salah has been directly involved in more goals against City than any other player, contributing nine goals and six assists in total.
His record reinforces just how pivotal he remains for Liverpool.
In his pre-match update, Slot confirmed that Alexander Isak has returned to full training following a three-week absence, but warned fans not to expect him to be at his peak straight away.
Despite the numbers favoring City, Liverpool’s recent performances, Salah’s attacking threat, Isak’s potential return, and the team’s rediscovered rhythm suggest the Reds still have every chance of defying the prediction.
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