English Premier League | Sunday 13 April | Anfield | 14:37
Super Sunday kicks off with a mouth-watering top of the table clash as the Reds of Merseyside battle against a star-studded Manchester City side in a game that could be decisive in crowning the champions of the 2013/14 season.
The Anfield showdown will bring together the Premier League’s two most potent sides in what is promised to be an exciting matchup. Liverpool go into the game four points ahead of their title rivals but having played two games more.
To Win (90mins)
Liverpool 27/20
Draw 5/2
Man City 18/10
LIVERPOOL
Liverpool held their nerve to grind out their ninth consecutive Premier League victory, returning to the top of the table and keeping their title ambitions alive.
Two Steven Gerrard penalties gave Brendan Rodgers’ side the victory over West Ham United despite referee Anthony Taylor having wrongly allowed the home sides goal to stand on the stroke of half-time.
This was a huge win for Rodgers’ side—producing very much the cliche of a title winning team, winning when not at their best.
For once, the free-scoring Reds had to battle to claim a hard-fought victory ahead of their much-anticipated clash against Manchester City in a meeting between the two main title contenders.
Gerrard who was Liverpool’s star performer against the Hammers overtook Kenny Dalglish in the club’s all-time leading goalscoring charts, the skipper now one ahead of the Scot on 173 goals, 10 behind Robbie Fowler in fifth.
That’s 10 goals in the last 13 games for the captain, incredible form and ability to hold his nerve from the 12 yards being key to that success.
Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge were not at the best at Upton Park but the three points is the only thing that matters for Liverpool in the title run-in.
This was incredibly the first time Liverpool have won a Premier League game this season when neither Suarez nor Sturridge has scored.
A victory against Manchester City, no matter the circumstances or manner of the win, would put Rodgers’ side firmly in the driving seat to end Liverpool’s 24 year wait for a title.
MANCHESTER CITY
Manchester City turned the screw on their Premier League title rivals by beating Southampton 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium last Saturday.
Yaya Toure’s penalty had given the hosts the lead, though Rickie Lambert equalised with a spot-kick of his own.
Goals from Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko in first-half stoppage time, then a late effort from Stevan Jovetic, made it 14 wins from 15 home league games for City this season.
For City and Pellegrini, the equation is simple: win their remaining eight Premier League games and they will lift the title for the second time in three seasons.
The Citizens have been sublime at home in the league – winning all but one of their 14 games at the Etihad Stadium and scoring 48 goals in the process.
However, they have managed just 8 wins on their 16 travels. While Pellegrini knows a draw would set his side up to take top spot from Liverpool, he insists City will travel to Merseyside aiming to bring all three points back to the Etihad Stadium.
“Maybe I am wrong, but I always think in the same way as a manager – if you play to draw you will lose,” he told reporters.
“So we are going to play to win. Of course after the game if we couldn’t win the game and we draw it’s a good result, but we are not going to play against Liverpool thinking we must draw.
We don’t know how to play in that way.” Sergio Aguero returns to the squad after the Argentine striker missed four weeks of action with a hamstring strain picked up in the Champions League last-16 first leg match against Barcelona.
With Aguero just recovering and yet to reach full fitness, Dzeko is likely to continue as City’s lone striker, with support coming from a trio of attacking midfielders and Toure in an initial holding role.
Betting Prediction: LIVERPOOL 27/20
It’s no surprise that Liverpool are favourites at 27/20 while City are priced up at 18/10. The Reds have been in superb form and are yet to lose in the league this year. Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge continue to be the main force behind the Reds’ dominance. Although City have been equally impressive if not better, they have not been as irresistible on the road as they are at home. Playing at Anfield, Liverpool are tipped to claim maximum points.
Written by Chadley Nagel for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
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