The run in has begun in the Premier League and Liverpool will be looking to secure a Champions League place with only 10 games left. But first, they must take on Manchester City, top four rivals, on the weekend at the Etihad.
Jürgen Klopp’s men travel to Manchester off the back of a, albeit unconvincing, 2-1 victory against Burnley. Though Liverpool’s ability to dispatch the weaker teams has been questioned, there is no such issue with the league’s top six. As their much-documented form against the stronger teams suggests, the Reds will certainly put up a fight.
Man City are not to be underestimated, though. Even off the back of a disappointing Champions League exit, they’re still 3rd with a squad of world class players.
However, the Reds have a very good record against the Citizens, having won five of the last six league fixtures scoring 14 goals. Furthermore, Klopp has won against Pep Guardiola more than against any other manager in world football (5W, 4L) so there is cause for optimism.
I personally remember some sensational games against Manchester City, here are but a few of my favourite wins against them:
Man City 2-3 Liverpool 08/09
Relatively long ago but still a great game nonetheless. 2-0 down in the first half and being away from home is never an ideal situation. But a brace from Fernando Torres changed everything and an injury time winner sealed all three points when it looked unlikely.
Man City 1-4 Liverpool 15/16
The performance that laid down a marker to say ‘Jürgen Klopp has arrived at Liverpool’. 3-0 up in 30 minutes with goals from Roberto Firmino and Phillipe Coutinho gave us the dream start to a game that went on to define Klopp’s Liverpool.
Liverpool 2-1 Man City 14/15
The season wasn’t great but the match certainly was! Liverpool were in good form and looking for a place in the top four. The game was tough, but two wonder strikes from Jordan Henderson and Phillipe Coutinho were enough to see out the game in style.
Liverpool 3-0 Man City 15/16
The match came soon after the disappointing League Cup final defeat and the Reds needed to respond, and they did in some fashion. Goals from Firmino, James Milner and Adam Lallana sealed the tie in a remarkably one-sided match.
Liverpool 3-2 Man City 13/14
One of the most exciting games of football I’ve ever seen. The title was on the line and the top two teams were battling it out for supremacy. 2-0 up, clawed back to 2-2 and then the almighty strike from Coutinho to send Anfield crazy. A game that I’ll never soon forget.