Liverpool remain some way off the pace at the top of the Premier League table but a recent return to form means that Sunday’s game at Anfield could yet be classed as a title decider. Manchester City have suddenly gained an advantage at the summit after the lead changed hands a number of times and this fixture should be pivotal in terms of crowning the 2020/21 champions.
The game kicks off at 11.30am ET but what do the sportsbooks make of it? Read on for our full LFC vs MCFC predictions and preview, with betting picks.
Liverpool vs Man City Moneyline Odds
All three possible outcomes in the moneyline market have climbed over the +100 line with Manchester City starting as favorites. Pep Guardiola’s men lead the way at average industry odds of +110 while victory for Liverpool is up next at +225. A number of outlets have the draw down at +260 and there will be definite interest in a share of the points at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds ended a long barren spell with a 3-1 win at Tottenham last week and Liverpool have followed that up with victory by an identical scoreline against West Ham. Unfortunately for Liverpool fans, the club went down at home to lowly Brighton on Wednesday night but that lift in form shows that they can still compete with the big teams.
As for Manchester City, Guardiola’s side may have started the season slowly but the team went on a long unbeaten run after losing to Spurs way back on November 21st. What’s really remarkable about their most recent record is the fact that they’ve conceded just one goal in their last nine games. Liverpool have their work cut out but this match could certainly be tighter than those moneyline odds suggest.
LFC vs MCFC Prop Bets
The Liverpool and Manchester City rosters contain some of the most potent strikers in world football so there will be some interesting odds in the individual goal scorer markets. Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero is set to miss the game so it’s Liverpool’s Mo Salah who starts as favorite to open the scoring at an average of around +400. The City pair of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus follow at +500 and both of those players were on target in their side’s 2-0 win over Burnley on Wednesday.
Further down the pitch, City’s Riyad Mahrez could be worth considering at +700 for the first goal while the man to watch from a Liverpool perspective is Sadio Mane at +800.
Elsewhere, the striking talent in the two camps makes Both Teams to Score a short pick this week. Most betting sites for USA audiences list this option at odds of -200 and, while it may seem very likely to drop in, that’s just a little too short to be of any interest.
It’s a similar story in the total goals market where we need to push quite high to get some value. Betting over the 2.5 goals isn’t the worst option at a general figure of -150 while over 3.5 is on offer at +160.
As usual, I’ll round off with some correct score suggestions and many will look at a high scoring draw here. In that case, a 2-2 final outcome may be the one to go for at an industry best of +1200. Alternatively, backers of Man City can consider a 3-1 away win at a best of +1900 while the same scoreline in favor of Liverpool is listed at a general +2100.
Our Preview’s Liverpool v Man City Predictions & Betting Picks Verdict
Games between two strong sides will often offer the chance for decent returns in the moneyline market. All three options carry generous odds so it’s up to us to call the game correctly. Liverpool make a good case as the outside bet and the recent 3-1 wins over Spurs and West Ham were undoubtedly impressive. However, the failure to find the net at home to Brighton on Wednesday is a concern.
A further issue for anyone backing Liverpool is that incredible stat where Manchester City have conceded just once in their last nine matches. The form book can always be upset but City are virtually unstoppable right now and we therefore have to start with the away win in the moneyline market.
We do feel that Liverpool will find the net and one man who carries more value than most is Sadio Mane. The Senegalese international has seven goals in 19 league matches this season and that’s a healthy return for a man who doesn’t play as an out-and-out striker. We’ll avoid Both Teams to Score as that’s simply too short in the betting odds but we will take over 3.5 goals which heads above the +100 mark. If our theories are correct, Man City will score the majority of those goals and we will look to these betting predictions and picks to give this preview a healthy profit from Sunday’s game.
- Manchester City to win @ best odds of +107 with Bookmaker.
- Sadio Mane to score at any time @ +160 with Intertops.
- Over 3.5 goals @ +175 with Intertops.
Matt Harris is a golf and soccer expert for USA Betting. His other area of specialist knowledge is cricket. He is well known in sports journalism and contributes articles to a plethora of big-name websites and media outlets. Titles that he writes or has written for include: Betfair, BetVictor, Unibet & Just Bookies.