Man City vs Liverpool Betting Tips and Stats

I think it’s impossible to ignore what Antoine Semenyo brings to the table in a game like this. The Ghanaian has caused Liverpool a whole host of problems this season, and whilst he may not have scored when these sides met in February, he did hit the target.

Semenyo’s opening day brace against Liverpool seems an eternity ago, but there’s been no let off in his output. An average of 1.35 shots on target P/90 whilst at Bournemouth is evidence of that, and whilst that number has dropped to just 1.03 P/90 since his January move to Man City, he’s still been consistent enough. Semenyo has hit the target in 24 of his 29 league outings this term, and at City, he’s hit the target in 11 of his 14 starts in all competitions.

The fact that Semenyo is as direct as he is only helps matters. He will drive forward at pace and create his own space, and I think Liverpool have been relatively poor at defending such aggressive play in recent weeks. Brighton’s seven shots on target prior to the international break should have alarm bells ringing, and Semenyo can sting Liverpool again.

Regardless of form, and irrespective of the quality across the two sides, games between Man City and Liverpool always feel like a proper scrap, especially in midfield. There were 29 fouls when these sides last met in February, and Ryan Gravenberch drew five of those; he can similarly tempt the City midfield into such scenarios again on Saturday.

Gravenberch has the exact type of profile that this City midfield could struggle with. He’s dynamic, a powerful runner with the ball, and despite his stature, he has quick enough feet to dance his way out of precarious situations as well. The Dutchman is the most fouled player in the Liverpool squad this season across all competitions, averaging 1.34 fouls drawn P/90 in the Premier League, and 1.84 P/90 in Europe. He’s landed this selection in three of his last four starts.

The likes of Bernardo Silva, Reijnders, and Rodri provide the ideal foil for this selection. Only two of three are likely to start, but the trio combine for 3.17 fouls P/90. No doubt they’ll be biting at his heels in an attempt to win the ball high up the pitch.

I don’t think it matters as to which referee is in charge here, there will be cards. Games between City and Liverpool have the bark and the bite that their other domestic games often lack, and the pair will bring both the best and worst out of each other on Saturday.

Seven cards were brandished when these sides met back in February, with three for Liverpool, and four for City, and this selection also landed in November with Liverpool receiving four cards to City’s two. Granted, there are no league implications here, but there is another trip to Wembley, and ultimately a trophy, on the line.

Cards for me are a given here. Liverpool will need to find a way to relieve pressure, whilst City have gradually become more consistent offenders. Guardiola’ side have picked up at least two cards in six of their last seven, but they’ve also forced two from the opposition in nine of 11 domestically. As for Liverpool, they come into this having seen a 5-5 split for cards against Brighton last month.