Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, 11 October, in the headline fixture of the sixth round of the English Premier League. Commentator and analyst Mikhail Beloborodov expects a closely contested match and believes a bet on a low total of goals could be the most attractive option.
Liverpool are still waiting for their significant transfer investment to produce results, with the team yet to find consistent form. Their start has also been shaped by the arrival of new manager Andoni Iraola, who has needed time to settle into the role.
Iraola’s side remain unbeaten under his management, but three draws in their opening five league matches have left them seventh in the table, six points behind the leaders. Their main difficulty has been in attack, with only seven goals scored so far.
Defensively, however, Liverpool have made major progress. They have kept clean sheets in each of their past three league matches, including away victories over Ipswich (2-0) and Bournemouth (1-0). In between those wins, they drew 0-0 at home with Fulham.
Manchester City also began the season under new management after Pep Guardiola left the club and Enzo Maresca was appointed as his replacement. Maresca’s first match ended in a heavy 3-0 defeat by Arsenal in the English Super Cup in mid-August.
Since then, Manchester City have put together a run of victories across all competitions. They go into the sixth round at the top of the Premier League, three points clear of Arsenal. In their final match before a three-week break for international fixtures, they beat Sunderland 5-3 in an entertaining home game.
Off-field uncertainty
Manchester City are also facing serious concerns away from the pitch, with the club suspected of financial wrongdoing. Legal proceedings are expected, and the most severe possible outcome could see the club stripped of many previously won trophies and relegated to the country’s fifth division.
That situation could make it difficult for the players to remain unaffected and produce their best football, according to Beloborodov.
Manchester City have won the last three meetings with Liverpool by scores of 3-0, 2-1 and 4-0. Those results suggest clear superiority, but the picture may be different this time after both clubs changed managers during the summer and altered their playing styles.
Liverpool, in particular, have become far more pragmatic. In their last three Premier League matches and their opening Champions League game, none of their opponents recorded an xG figure above 0.80. Manchester City have also kept clean sheets in four of their past five matches under Maresca.
Liverpool face significant attacking problems before the match. Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo are unavailable, while Alexander Isak is doubtful after missing Sweden’s three international matches and returning to his club early because of an injury.
Manchester City could also be without Erling Haaland, who asked to be substituted during his latest international appearance. Phil Foden remains suspended. With both teams facing attacking absences, Beloborodov considers the bet on fewer goals an appealing option.