Log leaders City face Anfield litmus test

Manchester City make the trip to Merseyside to take on Liverpool in one of the most highly anticipated clashes to date. In a match pitting two of the top scoring sides in European football, the Cityzens are expected to face their toughest challenge yet if the statistics are to be believed.

The last time City walked away with all three points at Anfield was in 2003 when Nicolas Anelka struck an injury time goal to give the Sky Blues a 2-1 win. The win was a rarity in itself as City had previously gone 22 years before that victory, and City have endured a 14 and half year wait since that victory even despite their considerable resources today.

In Liverpool City may be in for a challenge as they find this weekend’s opponents in good knick as the Reds are currently on an unbeaten run of 13 matches. Liverpool boast the best home defensive record conceding just four while also avoiding defeat.

Liverpool will welcome City’s arrival at Anfield with no fear as the Reds have taken more points off the top six sides (39) than any other team since Jürgen Klopp took charge.

Obviously, Man City’s reputation precedes itself, the Cityzens are 15 points clear at the top and based on their current form will hope this is the year they finally break their Anfield duck. City have made light work of their closest competitors with a 100 % record against teams in the top six this season, this includes their 5-0 whitewashing of the Reds earlier this season, and represent a genuine threat to Liverpool’s undefeated home record.

City are also the top goal scorers across Europe’s elite leagues with a tally of 64 and have at times demonstrated a masterful dominance against opponents even away from home. Guardiola’s men went to Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford winning the games 1-0 and 2-1 respectively, one might argue they should have won by larger margins as the opposition had no answer to the Man City puzzle.

Putting the statistics aside, the showdown on Merseyside will be made all the more interesting because of the storylines that come with it. This weekend will mark the first time Liverpool will play without star man Phillipe Coutinho this leaves Salah, Mané, Firmino and co with their work cut out for them to ensure that the Brazilian won’t be missed (much).

Raheem Sterling returns to Liverpool in the best form of his career, with 18 goals in all competitions, aiming for a first win on his old stomping ground. Sergio Aguëro has been tormentor in chief for the Reds in the past and if his recent form against big sides is to be believed the Argentine may be set to continue in the same fashion on Sunday.