Manchester City vs. Liverpool – Match Preview 3/2/2013

Manchester City vs. Liverpool Match Preview 3/2/2013

Manchester City vs. Liverpool – Match Preview

Venue and Timings

The match will kick-off at the Etihad Stadium on 3^rd February 2013 at 1600 GMT (2100 PST and 2130 IST).

Team Form

Manchester City

Manchester City are now short of attacking options, after they sold Balotelli to AC Milan. However, Tevez and Aguero will need to work harder than they did against QPR.

It is more likely for Dzeko to replace Tevez and Milner could replace Samir Nasri out wide.

Matija Nastasic is now fit and he would force Javi Garcia to move into the midfield with Gareth Barry.

Liverpool

Rodgers would try to keep the team unchanged after his side defeated the North Londoners. However, Jose Enrique could be used in place of Andre Wisdom.

Philip Coutinho could be used from bench, whereas Raheem Stering could replace Downing as his form has not been exceptional.

Daniel Sturridge could be used along with Suarez and Sterling to pressurize City’s defence.

Recent Meetings

Star Man

David Silva (Manchester City): David Silva is one of the most significant players for Manchester City. Silva makes complete key passes and they are known to be his biggest strength. His holding on-to the ball is strong and he can provide some good amount of set-pieces threat. He likes to do lay-offs and take set-pieces as well. Despite not scoring many goals and making many assists, he is still City’s key player. 

Luis Suarez (Liverpool) : The 25-year-old Uruguayan attacking midfielder is not an easy one to handle for any defence. Suarez can provide some fatal indirect set-pieces threats. His wonderful dribbling skills have enabled this man to scored 21 goals and make 3 assists in the 28 appearances has made in all competition. Victory could be ensured if they control this man, which is pretty impossible. However, Suarez occasionally plays the dirty game and gets fouled.

My prediction: 1 – 1 to Manchester City. Liverpool might just give City what they do not need at this time, a draw. City’s attack has lost its charm, as the match against QPR suggested while Liverpool’s Suarez will miss no chances here. It will definitely be a treat to watch, with some cards being given out.

Written by Rida Mehtab (@RidaaMehtaab on Twitter)