Prediction: Manchester City vs Liverpool

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 29/10

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League title has been decided with Liverpool finally reaching the top of the mountain for the first time in 30 years, but the season is far from done. The Reds will now target a record points total to go alongside their shiny new trophy, whereas their opponents on Thursday evening, Manchester City, would love nothing more than to put a dent in their aspirations. Sure, they’ve got two other competitions to concern themselves with, but Pep Guardiola will still be out for revenge.

Manchester City

The FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League need to take priority for Manchester City, but before that, they’ll want nothing more than to put a beating on the new Champions of England after they took their crown away from them. With the gap between this season and the next being so small, at least in line with the current plans, it makes sense for City to start looking ahead to what is bound to be one of the most exciting PL title races of all time.

Team News

Fernandinho will complete his two-game ban on Thursday, Garcia is a doubt after picking up a head injury a few weeks back and Aguero is still out through injury. Stones made the squad for the first time after lockdown at the weekend and c ould play some kind of role here.

Liverpool

It’s full steam ahead for Jurgen Klopp and his side as they aim to complete their title-winning campaign in style. They were able to prove themselves against City earlier on in the season, and they won’t want to disappoint this time around – regardless of whether or not this game ‘means’ anything. With one eye on trying to retain the championship next season, though, there are some questions worth asking regarding whether or not they’re fully focused on breaking that points record.

Team News

Matip is an injury concern for the Reds with Milner and Shaqiri all but certainly being ruled out for the trip to the Etihad. Elsewhere, Oxlade-Chamberlain is a potential option to start ahead of Wijnaldum.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in November, Liverpool beat Man City 3-1.
• Man City have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Liverpool have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Man City have scored 12 goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• Liverpool have scored eight goals and conceded nine in their last six games.

Conclusion

Everyone will want to see these two PL juggernauts swing for the fences for the better part of 90 minutes, but we don’t think that’s how this one is going to play out. We think they’re going to feel each other out, not go for the kill and, most importantly, fail to live up to the unrealistic expectations that have been set out by many neutral fans. This is going to go down the same route that many games in the top flight have done since the lockdown was lifted – it’s going to disappoint.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 29/10

Bookmaker: bet365