Manchester City and Liverpool meet for the third time this season, following the recent success for Manchester City prior to the international break. The Citizens secured the first piece of major silverware this season with their triumph over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.
The performance shown by Pep Guardiola's side showcased the mentality and winning confidence befitting of a Pep Guardiola team, and that could provide a momentum boost as we enter the final stages of the season. Manchester City already have the advantage over Liverpool this season with a league double over the Premier League Champions, with the meeting at the Etihad Stadium resulting in a 3-0 scoreline for the Citizens. Manchester City have been strong at home this season, as the home side have won five of their previous seven at the Etihad Stadium, with their only defeat against Real Madrid, where the Citizens were reduced to men following Bernardo Silva's dismissal.
As for Liverpool, their season looks to be resting on the cup competitions, with the Reds still involved in the FA Cup and the Champions League. Their league form has seen them fall behind the likes of Aston Villa and Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification. Away from home is where Liverpool have had their struggles. Arne Slot's side have lost three of their previous four matches in all competitions, with defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion, Galatasaray and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Defensively, Liverpool have conceded eight Premier League goals in the 90th minute or later this season - their most in a single campaign, surpassing seven in 2010-11. Matches involving Liverpool tend to involve goals, as over 2.5 goals have been scored in five of the last seven involving the Reds.
Manchester City will be in a confident mood following their cup success, and given their home form has been strong, accompanied by Liverpool's defensive frailties, we are opting for a Manchester City win here.
Manchester City 3-2 Liverpool
