Liverpool Aims To Extend Manchester City's Winless Streak In Premier League Clash

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Manchester City is experiencing a challenging season. Pep Guardiola's squad seemed poised for victory when they led Feyenoord 3-0 in the Champions League. However, the match ended 3-3, extending their winless streak to six games across all competitions. This marked the first time in Champions League history that a team leading by three goals as late as the 75th minute failed to secure a win.

City has also lost their last three Premier League matches, matching their total losses from the previous 47 games combined. The last time they lost four consecutive league games was between April and August 2008. According to Opta's supercomputer, City's chances of retaining the title now stand at just 12.6%. A trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, who are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, is not ideal for Guardiola as he seeks to regain momentum.

Liverpool's form this season has been impressive, reminiscent of their title-winning campaign in 2019-20. A victory over City could extend their lead to 11 points. Historically, only three teams have overcome such a deficit to win the title: Manchester United in 1992-93 and 1995-96, and Arsenal in 1997-98. Currently, Liverpool holds a 74.8% chance of winning the title.

The pressure is on City to break their poor run of form. However, Opta's supercomputer favours Liverpool with a 45.3% likelihood of winning. City has a 29.9% chance of victory based on data simulations, while there's a 24.8% chance of a draw. City has won only one of their last 21 Premier League away games against Liverpool.

Arne Slot has made an impressive start at Liverpool, filling big shoes at Anfield with ease. His team has won all five opening games in the UEFA Champions League without conceding more than one goal, joining an elite group including Milan and Juventus.

This will be Slot's first encounter with both Manchester City and Guardiola. None of Liverpool's last six managers have lost their first league meeting with England's reigning champions since Roy Evans' loss to Manchester United in 1993-94.

City's Defensive Woes

Defensively, City has been inconsistent this season with an xGA of 15.9, averaging 1.3 per game compared to last season’s average of 0.9 per match. Erling Haaland has missed some key opportunities but still performs slightly above his xG with 12 goals from an xG of 11.9.

Guardiola faces challenges against Liverpool historically too; he has only won six out of his twenty-two meetings with them—his lowest win rate against any team faced more than five times.

Key Players: Salah and Gundogan

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah remains crucial this season with significant contributions leading to vital points for his team. He scored twice recently against Southampton and leads in combined goals and assists this season.

For Manchester City, Ilkay Gundogan stands out as he approaches his milestone of playing his 200th Premier League game. He aims for another strong performance at Anfield where he has previously excelled.

The upcoming clash between these two giants promises excitement as both teams strive for dominance amidst contrasting fortunes this season.