Liverpool will be looking to further cement their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they face defending champions Manchester City on Thursday.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently seven points clear of City at the top and remain unbeaten after 20 games, with many believing this will finally be their year to win the Premier League.
Liverpool thrashed Arsenal 5-1 in their last game on Saturday to open up the lead while City kept their slim hopes of retaining the Premier League alive with a 3-1 win over Southampton.
Read on for Man City vs Liverpool live stream options, team news, predicted XIs, stats and TV channel info.
When is Man City vs Liverpool?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Date: Thursday, 3 January
Kick-off: 8:00 PM GMT
Match preview
Manchester City stormed their way to the Premier League last season, amassing a record-breaking 100 points over 38 games. At this stage in their campaign, the Citizens remained unbeaten and had won 19 of their 20 games.
Liverpool are in a similar position this year, entering 2019 having won 17 of their opening 20 matches and still yet to taste defeat in the Premier League, leading many to back them to go all the way.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have had some hairy moments along the way, most notably the goalless draw against Manchester City at Anfield when Riyad Mahrez missed a penalty four minutes from time which could have completely shaped the rest of the season.
But the Reds’ key players are hitting form at the right time, with Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane all scoring in the 5-1 win over Arsenal.
Meanwhile, City have been on a poor run of late, losing three of their past five games including two in a row against Crystal Palace and Leicester City. Pep Guardiola’s side looked to be turning things around with a 3-1 win over Southampton but Liverpool will be a completely different test, with the Spaniard admitting their opponents may be the best team in the world.
Where can I watch live?
UK viewers can watch Manchester City vs Liverpool on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, channels 401 and 402 respectively on Sky and channels 501 and 502 respectively for Virgin Media users.
Will Liverpool end their 29-year wait for a title?
Only two of the past 10 teams to lead the Premier League on Christmas Day have failed to win the division that season, Liverpool in 2008/09 and again in 2013/14. The Reds led the league again in Christmas 2018 but this time Jurgen Klopp’s men do not look like relinquishing their advantage.
Currently, seven points clear of second-placed Man City, Liverpool look unstoppable. Their 17 wins have been a mixture of routs, hard-fought victories and lucky finishes, something all title-winning sides welcome en route to winning the league.
In the two years Liverpool have lost the league from Christmas, poor defences were the problem, but there is no such dilemma for Klopp. The Reds boast the best defence in the Premier League, conceding just eight goals in their first 20 games – a league record for this stage of the season. City are a big test, but should Liverpool get through it unbeaten, this could just be their year.
Head-to-head
Despite all their recent successes, Manchester City just cannot seem to beat Liverpool, winning just four of the 16 meetings between the two sides since City won the Premier League in 2012.
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently on a four-game winless streak against Klopp’s Liverpool, with the goalless draw at Anfield ending a run of three consecutive defeats in all competitions – including two in the Champions League en route to Liverpool’s runners-up finish.
Manchester City wins: 54 Draws: 53 Liverpool wins: 104
Team news
Manchester City could be without star man Kevin De Bruyne with Pep Guardiola admitting his doubts over the Belgian’s fitness after he missed the 3-1 win over Southampton.
PEP: I don't know how @DeBruyneKev is. I know it's not a big issue but I don't know if he'll be for Thursday. #SOUMCI
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 30, 2018
Meanwhile, Liverpool have no fresh injury issues and will likely name an unchanged side to the team which walked over Arsenal at the weekend.
Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Kompany, Laporte, Delph; Silva, Fernandinho, Silva; Sane, Aguero, Sterling
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Fabinho; Shaqiri, Firmino, Mane; Salah.
Man City vs Liverpool betting tips from FansBet
Click here for Man City vs Liverpool tips and enhanced odds from FansBet
Manchester City v Liverpool is unquestionably the game of the New Year Premier League fixtures and one that could ultimately define the title race. Liverpool have established themselves as the benchmark and victory at the Etihad for Klopp’s team will see them keep their unbeaten record intact and give them a 10-point lead over their title rivals. City have had a bad festive run with three losses, although they bounced back last time out with a 3-1 win over Southampton. So, with the stage set, Form Labs bring you their betting preview and tips for the game and don’t forget to take advantage of our comprehensive selection of enhanced odds for Manchester City v Liverpool.
Read on HERE
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