Liverpool vs Manchester City Prediction & Betting Tips (8 February)

For Liverpool, defenders Bradly, Gomez and Leoni fill the ranks of the infirmary alongside the disappointing striker Isak. On the other hand, absent in the last three matches, French international Konaté is back this Saturday while full-back Frimpong was injured this week. Scorer on the last day, midfielder Szoboslai (3 goals and 2 assists in PL) is available, as is playmaker Wirtz (3 goals in PL), who has been gaining momentum in recent weeks. To appear in the offensive sector, Salah (4 goals and 4 assists in PL), Gakpo (5 goals and 3 assists in PL) and Ekitike (8 goals and 2 assists in PL) are applying. The latter was a substitute against Bournemouth. Manchester City must deal with the withdrawals of the important defender Gvardiol, the long-term absentee Kovacic and the experienced defender Stones. In addition, wingers Savinho and Doku more recently joined the Mancunian infirmary from which central manager Ruben Dias (uncertain this Sunday) could emerge.

Suspended in C1 on Wednesday, Rodri is available again. In sight since his arrival but not qualified in C1, winger Semenyo (11 goals and 3 assists in PL) found the net last weekend as did striker Marmoush (1 goal in PL). Erling Haaland (20 goals and 4 assists in the PL) should find a starting place. The other attackers Cherki (2 goals and 7 assists in PL) and Foden (7 goals and 2 assists in PL) are also available. This winter, the Skyblues grabbed winger Semenyo (Bournemouth) and defender Guehi (Crystal Palace) but gave up Norwegian winger Bobb (Fulham). 

The tactical battle between these two sides remains one of the most compelling in world football. Liverpool’s high‑energy pressing and rapid transitions continue to trouble even the most structured opponents, while City’s controlled possession and positional rotations test defensive concentration for the full ninety minutes. Both teams have shown occasional defensive vulnerabilities in recent weeks, with Liverpool conceding soft goals from set pieces and City sometimes struggling against direct counterattacks. These patterns suggest that the match could open up quickly, especially if either side scores early. The midfield duel, likely featuring Alexis Mac Allister and Rodri, could dictate the rhythm and determine which team imposes its preferred style.

With both clubs arriving in competitive form and carrying the weight of recent narratives, the stage is set for a fiercely contested encounter that feels too balanced for a straightforward prediction. Liverpool’s home advantage at Anfield often elevates their performance, while City’s experience in high‑pressure fixtures ensures they rarely crumble under intensity. Considering the attacking quality on display, the recent scoring trends of both sides, and the defensive lapses that have appeared in their latest matches, a high‑scoring draw feels plausible. The expectation here leans toward a 2 : 2 correct score, reflecting the likelihood of an open, emotionally charged, and evenly matched contest.