The Premier League’s fiercest modern rivalry reignites this Sunday as Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield. This matchup is not just a battle for three points; it could shape the trajectory of the title race. With City enduring a surprising slump and Liverpool in form, here's what the numbers tell us about this crucial encounter.
If Liverpool Win
Historic Comeback Odds Against City
Only three teams in Premier League history have overturned an 11-point deficit to win the title. If Liverpool triumph, City would find themselves in uncharted territory, having never recovered from such a gap to claim the crown.A Rare November Struggle for City
San Marino, one of international football's weakest teams, has won more games in November than Manchester City this year. It has been 34 days since Pep Guardiola’s side last celebrated a victory in any competition.Record-Breaking Lead
Should Liverpool take an 11-point lead after 13 games, they would match Manchester United’s dominance in the 1993-94 season, the only team to achieve such a feat.A First for Premier League Champions
A fourth consecutive defeat would make City the first defending champions in Premier League history to suffer such a streak the following season.
If City Win or Draw
Hope for a Comeback
City have clawed back deficits of 8-10 points to win the title six times in Premier League history. Four of those comebacks occurred during Guardiola’s tenure, all at a later stage than now, proving their resilience.Guardiola’s Title-Winning Formula
In four of Pep’s six Premier League title wins, City overturned significant gaps. A win or even a draw would keep their hopes alive, with plenty of games left to play.
City’s Defensive Woes
Conceding Quality Over Quantity
City’s main defensive issue is not the number of chances they concede but the quality. They allow the highest-quality chances among teams in Europe’s top five leagues, leaving Ederson and the backline vulnerable.Counter-Attack Struggles
City are conceding more shots from counter-attacks this season than in any other under Guardiola, making them susceptible to Liverpool’s quick transitions and attacking pace.
Liverpool’s Strengths
Improved Points Total
Liverpool are four points better off than they were at this stage last season. While their overall style hasn’t shifted dramatically, they’ve adopted a more defensive-minded approach, yielding greater stability.Efficiency at Both Ends
Liverpool have faced 37 fewer shots this season while taking 35 fewer themselves, showcasing their ability to control games and minimize risks.
What’s at Stake?
For Liverpool, a victory would cement their position as genuine title contenders and deal a significant blow to City’s ambitions. For Guardiola’s side, avoiding defeat is essential to keep the pressure on and avoid slipping further behind in the title race.
Prediction
The clash between Liverpool and Manchester City is more than a game; it’s a statement. With history, form, and pride on the line, Sunday’s showdown promises high drama and intrigue. Can City find their spark again, or will Liverpool seize the opportunity to widen the gap?
Stay tuned as the Premier League delivers yet another blockbuster fixture.