ON THE VIRG OF HISTORY
Reds can be first to topple Pep Rocket Ron still supplies the fireworks
PEARSON’S
THE big game this weekend has to be Manchester City’s visit to Anfield tomorrow.
The Reds are unbeaten in their last 14 home games against City in the Premier League and will be keen to avenge their 5-0 thrashing at the Etihad in September.
City have not done the double over the Reds for over 80 years. It should be noted that on that occasion – 1936-37 – City won the first of their four top-flight titles.
Liverpool are 2-1 at BetVictor to inflict the first domestic defeat of the season on City and that’s the recommended bet. African Player of the Year Mo Salah is likely to be back for Jurgen Klopp’s side who begin life without Philippe Coutinho.
City are 6-5 favourites with a draw at 27-10 and I think City would take a point now.
The heavily-criticised Liverpool defence has conceded just four goals in their last 13 home league games and now have Virgil van Dijk to call on.
City were fortunate to get a point at Selhurst Park over the festive period and have played twice since Liverpool beat Everton in the FA Cup last Friday.
Pep Guardiola’s side came from behind to win against Burnley and Bristol City but I think they will lose their unbeaten domestic record tomorrow. I would be more confident had Coutinho been in the Anfield ranks but Sergio Aguero has yet to score in the Premier League at Anfield and 2-1 for Liverpool is too big.
Manchester United entertain managerless Stoke City on Monday and are 2-9 to keep the points with the Potters 14-1 and the draw at 6s.
Stoke have not won at Old Trafford since April 1976 and it is hard to see that changing given they have lost their last three games in all competitions. Former Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores is 1-3 to be the next Potters manager with Martin O’Neill out to 9-4 and former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic 14-1 having been odds-on at one point.
Jesse Lingard has scored 11 times in all competitions for United this season – the England international is 11-8 to add to it on Monday.
United were linked with Riyad Mahrez earlier in the week but Liverpool are 2-5 to get the Algerian’s signature with Arsenal 4-1 and United 20-1.
It had looked like Alexis Sanchez would sign for City (1-2 at BetVictor) this window but United look to have thrown their hat into the ring (6-4) and the Gunners will surely look to recoup some of the market value of the brilliant Chilean rather than allow him to leave on a free in the summer. Go to BetVictor.com