Liverpool Plays a Fourth Derby in Two Months Against Manchester City
Published March 19, 2017 by Florin P
Manchester City and Liverpool try to secure a Champions League berth in the Sunday derby (4:30 p.m UK Time).
Liverpool has missed all its chances so far and a defeat on the road against Manchester City would be the last nail in its coffin. The only objective still within reach is a place on the podium and the Champions League next season. Losing in Manchester would jeopardize their mission.
Long Injury List for Liverpool
It’s a bit surprising to see that Liverpool has more players injured or suspended than Manchester City despite having an easier schedule. They were eliminated from both FA Cup and League Cup and don’t play in any European competition. Even so they were unable to win back-to-back games against weaker opponents and have conceded a goal in pretty much every game.
The list of injured players now consists of seven footballers and two more are doubtful. The good news is that Liverpool has plenty of time to rest its key players, since the last match was played against lowly Burnley on Sunday. Arsenal and Manchester United are within striking distance and Everton is just five points behind, so the pressure on Klopp is tremendous.
Busy Schedule for Manchester City
Liverpool faced three of the best English teams over the last two months, but this is their last difficult match. By comparison, Manchester City has an insane schedule ahead, with games against Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. The last two will be played on the road and this week they also played away from home against Monaco in a decisive Champions League fixture.
Despite their slim advantage over Liverpool, Manchester City will have a harder time picking up points in the remainder of March and early April. This match could prove decisive for their Champions League hopes and that’s why they can’t settle for anything less than victory. This outcome is priced at even odds by bet365 Sports.
