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It is time for the much awaited clash and perhaps the biggest match of january as Liverpool face Manchester City at Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Both the teams have been at the top of the table on and off but Liverpool have cemented their place at the top of the table for a while now. Liverpool and Manchester City are currently the two best teams in the Premier League and this match is going to be of huge importance for both teams. Past records show that Liverpool has been very dominant but the current team of Manchester City is far far better than what it used to be in the past.
LIVERPOOL
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Team Form
Liverpool have been excellent throughout the season and they continue to get better with every game they play. The have only conceded eight goals in Premier League this season in their 20 games. They are still the only unbeaten time with 17 wins and 3 draws. Liverpool played eight matches in december, winning all of them. They thrashed Arsenal 5-1 in their last match despite Arsenal scoring first and therefore the confidence level will be high among the players.
Impact Players
Mohammed Salah has regained his form and is now at his best scoring and assisting plenty of goals. He is among the leading goal scorers in the Premier League this season and has a good record against Manchester City.
Roberto Firmino was at his very best when he scored his first ever Premier League hat-trick against Arsenal. The combination of Salah and Firmino can be deadly for Manchester City.
Sadio Mane will also be one of the players to watch out for along with Virgil van Dijk.
Team News
James Milner will return to the squad after suffering from injury. Xherdan Shaqiri might be dropped to the bench again after giving him a full game against Arsenal and Naby Keilta looks the person to take his place.
MANCHESTER CITY
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Team Form
After starting the season on a high, they slipped down a bit by loosing a few matches. They have won three matches out last five, loosing the other two consecutively. The two losses came against Crystal Palace and Leicester before registering a win against Southampton in their last match. City have the advantage of playing infront of the home crowd but they will have to forget about the recent let downs in order to successfully go past the Reds.
Impact Players
Sergio Aguero is fully fit now and even scored a goal against Southampton in the last fixture. His presence will be a huge boost for Manchester City as he is capable of scoring goals anytime.
David Silva also had a few injury issues but came back in the last match and scored. He is a great player and might be looking to add one more goal to his kitty.
Leroy Sane has also been very crucial for City this season and with Sergio Aguero accompanying him, they can be dangerous for Liverpool.
Team News
Manchester City have almost a fully fit squad barring Kevin de Bruyne who is suffering from muscle injury. Gundogan is expected to return back to the starting 11. Fernandinho also returned against Southampton and is expected to play against Liverpool as well.
PREDICTION
Liverpool are looking unstoppable at the moment but they are facing a fully fit Manchester City this time around. The past records show that Liverpool have been dominant with 104 wins compared to City's 54 wins but that is history. Manchester City have the advantage of playing at home but Liverpool has played fabulously making every ground look like their home. Though this is tough to call but I think Liverpool will come out to be the winners defeating Manchester City 3-1 or 3-2.
Let me know your thoughts and predictions as well in the comments section.