LIVERPOOL are aiming to win four Premier League games in a row for the first time since December 2016.
Unibet blogger Steve Jennings looks at stats that suggest they have a real chance of ending Man City's unbeaten record.
Liverpool have won their last four Premier League home games against Man City
Given City’s rise over recent seasons it is perhaps surprising they have lost their last four Premier League visits to Anfield. In fact Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 14 home league games against the Citizens, winning 10 and drawing four.
City’s last league victory at Anfield came way back in May 2003 – former Liverpool striker Nicolas Anelka scored both goals for the visitors in a 2-1 win. Last season’s corresponding fixture saw the hosts run out 1-0 winners with Georginio Wijnaldum grabbing the only goal.
Man City haven’t done the league double over Liverpool since 1936-37
Could the above stat be a good omen for Pep Guardiola’s side? City won the first of their four top-flight titles that season – it was also the last time they beat Liverpool twice in one league campaign.
Sunday could be the biggest test yet of City’s capacity go the entire season unbeaten. If they win at Anfield the visitors will be increasingly confident of repeating what Arsenal’s “invincibles” did in 2003-04. A defeat would be their first Premier League loss since April last year against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (2-1).
Liverpool have conceded four goals in their last 13 home league matches
For all that is often said about Liverpool’s defence they’ve kept things tight at the back at home this season, at least domestically. Jurgen Klopp’s men have kept nine clean sheets in their 13 league games at Anfield and the signing of Virgil van Dijk could make those stats even more impressive in the long run.
City put five past the Reds in the reverse fixture back in September, more goals than Liverpool have conceded all season at home in the Premier League. Indeed, the hosts will have to be at their absolute best defensively this weekend.
Only Mourinho has beaten Guardiola as many times as Klopp has (4)
During his time at Liverpool Klopp has proven himself to be a big-game manager. Since he arrived in October 2015, the Merseysiders have won 39 points in Premier League encounters between the big six, more than any other coach.
Guardiola very much got the better of his counterpart at the Etihad earlier this season but Sadio Mane’s first-half red card didn’t help matters for Liverpool. Klopp will be eager to erase those memories with a revenge-inspired victory here – it’s crucial they remain disciplined this time around.
Aguero has failed to score in each of his five Premier League visits to Anfield
The Argentine has scored six league goals in 11 appearances against Liverpool in the past, but all those strikes have come at the Etihad. Sergio Aguero appears to be emblematic of City’s troubles at Anfield.
However, he goes into this one in prolific form. The striker has made the ideal start to 2018, scoring four goals in three matches in all competitions including the late winner against Bristol City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Will he finally find a way to silence the Kop?
Steve Jennings (Unibet blogger)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
