Can Liverpool end Man City’s unbeaten run?
November 27, 2011 in News by admin
Betfair football betting will have no shortage of options for those who want to put money on tomorrow’s big match. Manchester City have looked almost unstoppable this season, but is this the weekend someone finally slows them down? Liverpool have been inconsistent, but with away wins against Arsenal and Chelsea under their belt, it won’t be a surprise if City’s unbeaten streak comes to an end tomorrow at Anfield.
After steam-rolling numerous opponents this season, City will be considered the best bet by most to take the three points. After all, they’ve scored an astounding 42 goals in only 12 matches this season, including six in last month’s memorable win at Old Trafford against archrivals United.
However, Liverpool will fancy their chances to bring City down to earth for at least a weekend, and for good reason. Sure, the two sides are separated by a dozen points, and Kenny Dalglish’s side has dropped points at home against Norwich City and Swansea City, were drubbed 4-0 at Tottenham, and managed only a draw in a dominant performance against United.
But for all of their inconsistencies, their wins at the Emirates Stadium and last Sunday at Stamford Bridge are proof that this is a side that has the confidence and ability to not only hold their own in big games, but to win them, so they won’t be intimidated by the occasion or by the opponent. If City do manage to leave Merseyside with a win, they’ll more than likely have had to work hard for the full 90 minutes to get it.
Liverpool have had their issues on the attacking end, with a failure to make the most of numerous chances hurting them in their four home draws against United, Norwich, Swansea, and Sunderland. But for the most part, they’ve defended very well, with the defeat at White Hart Lane being the only time to date this season that they’ve allowed multiple goals in a game. In fact, they come in tied with City for the best defensive record in the Premier League, with only 11 goals allowed.
That’s an important statistic, given that City have had issues breaking down some opponents this season, even when the final scoreline has been heavily in their favor. But while the likes of Blackburn and Wolves were broken down eventually, that might not happen as easily against Liverpool.
But will Liverpool be able to take and convert chances against City? That’s a big question mark for a side that has managed only 16 goals in 12 matches this season and hasn’t looked clinical in front of goal in some key situations.
However, they are quite capable of creating their share of opportunities against City, and if they put in the kind of defensive performance that helped keep them in a position to come away with a result at Chelsea, all it could take is one moment of opportunism to make the difference. Luis Suarez hasn’t scored a Premier League goal in his last five appearances, but if there ever was a time to break a drought, tomorrow’s it.
But can Liverpool get a result against City, or will they become the league leaders’ latest victim? In the end, it depends as much on which Liverpool side shows up as it does how well City play.
If Liverpool are able to notch at least a point, it’ll do a lot for their confidence going forward as they chase a top-four place. The talent is certainly there to reach the top four, but that talent has to perform more consistently and treat games against the likes of Norwich and Swansea like they appear to treat games like this one.
A favorable result for Liverpool could also help open up the title race, with United still within a reasonable distance and in-form Tottenham lurking in third and with a game in hand on the others at the top of the Premier League table. After their visit to Anfield, City host Norwich before facing Chelsea (away) and Arsenal (away) back-to-back, so this is the start of a key stretch as far as the title race is concerned.
Will Liverpool do their part to liven up the title race, or will City win yet again to take their lead at the top to seven points and give further proof that they are indeed the team to beat this season? The odds are in their favor, but don’t be surprised if Liverpool follow their own script and upset the odds once again.
Real Madrid last match against Deportivo turned out to be a huge disappointment when they had to satisfy with a goaless draw.
