Manchester City vs Liverpool FC
2013/2014 English Premier League, Round 18
2013/2014 English Premier League, Round 18
On Thursday, 26th December at 18:30 (CET), Manchester City will
host Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium for Round 18 of the 2013/2014
English Premier League.
Man City will welcome the league-leaders Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium
Thursday where the home side has won every game so far this term at a
combined total goal comparison of 35 for and just 5 conceded. However,
the Citizens have been prone to the defensive error or two, so the
defence must stay alert to Luis Suarez's tireless work rate. Despite
Aguero being out with a calf injury, Dzeko is still expected to drop to
the bench in favor of Negredo. Manuel Pelligrini must find a suitable
replacement for right-backs Micah Richards and Zabaleta (doubtful), as
Clichy left much to be desired away from his natural left-sided position
last weekend against Fulham. Jovetic and Nastasic remain long-term
absentees.
- Probable lineups Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Hart; Clichy, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Touré; Navas, Silva, Nasri; Negredo.
Liverpool team have defied their expectations this season, entering Boxing
Day atop the Premier League table. While critics wondered if the Reds
could deal with the injuries to Sturridge and Gerrard, Liverpool went
about their business, most recently whacking Tottenham 5-0 and Cardiff
City 3-1. Luis Suarez has been a man possessed, tallying 19 goals from
just 12 appearances this season. Expect this goal-scoring trend to
continue for the controversial Uruguayan. But will it be enough to get a
result against the top scoring team in England? The defence must be
compact and focused throughout, as at times on the road this season
they've perhaps gone a bit missing-conceding 2 to Swansea, 2 to
Newcastle, 2 to Arsenal, 3 to Everton, and 3 to Hull. Enrique and Coates
will join Sturridge and Gerrard on the sidelines.
- Probable lineups Liverpool (4-3-3): Mignolet – Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Kelly – Lucas, Allen – Sterling, Henderson, Coutinho – Suarez.
Head-to-Head:
Last Meeting: 03.02.2013, Manchester City - Liverpool 2:2
Wins Manchester City: 39 - Wins Liverpool: 69 - Draws: 40.
Wins Manchester City: 39 - Wins Liverpool: 69 - Draws: 40.
Date: Thursday, 26 December 2013 17:30 GMT - 18:30 CET
Stadium: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, United Kingdom
Referee: Lee Mason
Stadium: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, United Kingdom
Referee: Lee Mason
