Tentative affair in prospect as Liverpool prepare for Man City
Published:Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers faces a baptism of fire at Anfield on Sunday, taking on the Premier League champions in his first home game.
The Reds are 21/10 to overcome Manchester City, in a game that Rodgers will be desperate to avoid defeat in, as he aims to endear himself to the Merseyside public.
That will be no mean feat however, considering that their Anfield visitors were the top Premier League scorers last term with 93 strikes.
City also scored more goals than anyone else on the road last season, and will fancy their chances of breaching Liverpool considering their 38 away goals in 2011/2012.
Also, the three goals Liverpool conceded without reply at West Brom on Saturday will discourage Reds supporters, but a morale-boosting victory at Hearts in the Europa League could do wonders for Liverpool confidence.
A point of encouragement for the Merseyside outfit meanwhile, is their impressive defensive record on their own patch last term, which Rodgers will aim to continue.
Swansea’s record of nine clean sheets from 18 home games last season, under Rodgers’ guidance, would suggest he is primed to do so.
Meanwhile, Liverpool were breached only 14 times at Anfield last season, and whilst they failed to score in abundance, ‘Pool would surely be pleased to frustrate City this weekend.
With that considered, the 23/10 about the sides drawing could see some attention, and a stalemate did result the last time City travelled to Anfield, albeit in Carling Cup competition.
2-2 was the eventual scoreline that day, with that outcome attributed a 14/1 price on Sunday, whilst it is 6/1 that last season’s 1-1 league draw is repeated.
For punters struggling to see past the Premier League champions in this tie however, Roberto Mancini’s men can be backed to triumph at 5/4.
However, it may be worth noting that Rodgers masterminded a home success over City with Swansea last term, whilst the Citizens failed to win at Anfield in two attempts.
Therefore, a tight affair would appear likely in Sunday’s encounter, with a draw perhaps the most favourable outcome.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
