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A Brief History of Liverpool vs Man City Rivalry

City and Liverpool have played each other just 32 times in their history, and have only crossed paths annually in the Premier League era since the start of the 2013/14 campaign. Before that, it was a fixture which had been played just six times – the last of which came in 1996. Yet, the relationship between the two clubs has been far from harmonious. The rivalry between the two most successful clubs in English football has historically been shaped by three major factors. Firstly, there is the traditional rivalry between the two great Northern cities. Secondly, there has been the issue of Manchester City’s owners, who have been accused of attempting to unsettle Liverpool in the transfer market and even of trying to unseat them as the dominant force in English football. And finally, there is the way in which Liverpool’s success has been built on a heightened sense of tradition, identity and loyalty, while Manchester City have taken a more modern, commercial and arguably more mercenary approach to the game.

Recent Encounter

There was little love lost between the two sides in the latest meeting between Liverpool and Manchester City, a game that saw Jurgen Klopp’s men come out on top in a seven-goal thriller. Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane both scored for the visitors, but it was Liverpool who would go on to claim the win, with a brace from Virgil van Dijk and a goal from Mohamed Salah putting the Reds in the driving seat. It was a game that would have left plenty of Liverpool fans hoping that the two teams might meet again in the final few weeks of the season – and one that will have had the City contingent dreaming of a more emphatic win the next time they cross paths.

Why Man City Will Win

City have won six of the last seven Premier League games against Liverpool, and will be full of confidence in all aspects of the game, having not lost to any of their top-six rivals this season. Pep Guardiola’s team have been sublime at times this season, with their free-flowing attacking football making them look like the strongest title-contenders in years. They have scored a league-high 86 goals in 31 games, with both the individual quality of the front three of Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Sergio Aguero, as well as the speed of the service from midfield. The defensive unit has also been a major source of strength for City this season, conceding just 21 times in the same number of games.

Why Liverpool Will Win

The biggest argument in favor of Liverpool overcoming City’s challenge is the fact that they are simply a much better balanced and more complete team. They have hit a purple patch at the right time of the campaign, and look like the sort of side that could go all the way. Jurgen Klopp’s men have lost just once this calendar year, and they have won eight of their last 10 Premier League games, scoring at least two goals in seven of those victories. Liverpool boast the best defensive record in the league, having conceded just 19 times in 31 matches, and have the firepower to make the most of their clean sheet. In short, it’s hard to see Liverpool dropping points at home to anyone between now and the end of the season.

Key Men for Liverpool

The Liverpool attacking trio have been heavily involved in the side’s recent scoring spree, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino having scored 57 league goals between them this term. Klopp will be hoping that those three can stay fit and healthy over the next few weeks, with Liverpool having suffered a recent dip in form during which they were held to two consecutive draws. Van Dijk has been a rock at the heart of the Liverpool defense, and the Dutchman has been as close to faultless as any defender could be in the Premier League this season. The Reds have conceded just 19 goals in 31 games this season, with Van Dijk responsible for nine of those clean sheets – including six in the last nine.

Key Men for Manchester City

There is no denying that defending champions Manchester City’s success has been built on the attacking brilliance of their front three. The trio of Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane has scored a combined 86 goals this season, but Guardiola will be hoping to see more from his side in the final weeks of the campaign. Guardiola’s side have just one clean sheet in the last 10 games, and Liverpool will be looking to take advantage of the lack of defensive solidarity. If City’s backline is under pressure, then the likes of Salah, Mane and Firmino will be confident in taking advantage of any goal-scoring opportunities.

Conclusion

This really is a dream matchup, as two of the most prolific sides in the league meet in a tie that will be hyped beyond belief. Expect fireworks, expect drama, expect goals. It is going to be an incredible contest, and the question is which team will be left standing at the end of it. Van Dijk’s defensive excellence against Sterling, Sane and Aguero, coupled with the attacking firepower of Salah, Mane and Firmino, should see Liverpool through to the final.

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