One of the biggest clashes of the English Premier League season is set to unfold as defending champions Manchester City take on league leaders Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Africa Football editor Allan Damba looks into the upcoming clash and provides his prediction and betting tips.
Match Overview
Manchester City enter this encounter on the back of a midweek UEFA Champions League heartbreak, having been eliminated by Real Madrid after a 3-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu. The result saw the Spanish giants progress to the Round of 16 with a 6-3 aggregate victory at City’s expense.
Pep Guardiola’s side currently sits fourth in the Premier League table with 44 points from 25 matches, trailing Liverpool by a significant 16-point margin. The Reds, under new boss Arne Slot, lead the standings with 61 points.
In their most recent league outings, Manchester City demolished Newcastle 4-0, fueled by an Omar Marmoush hat-trick. Meanwhile, Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa in midweek action.
Manchester City’s Recent Form
Manchester City have endured an uncharacteristically inconsistent run, losing three of their last five matches across all competitions while securing two wins. During this period, they have scored nine goals but conceded 12.
- Last Five Games: 2 wins, 3 losses
- Most Recent Result: Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City
Liverpool’s Recent Form
The 19-time English champions have lost just once in their last five matches in all competitions, winning twice and drawing twice. In this stretch, they have netted 10 goals while conceding six.
- Last Five Games: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss
- Most Recent Result: Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool
Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)
- Liverpool 2-0 Manchester City
- Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
- Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool
- Manchester City 4-1 Liverpool
- Manchester City 3-2 Liverpool
Prediction
Liverpool are in pursuit of their 20th league title, while Manchester City are focused on securing a Champions League spot for next season. With so much at stake, this showdown at the Etihad promises to be a fiercely contested battle.
For bettors, backing Both Teams to Score (YES) at 1.36 odds on 1xBet appears to be a solid choice. Another promising option is wagering on Over 2.5 Goals, available at 1.39 odds on 1xBet.
Player to Watch: Mohamed Salah
Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah has been in scintillating form, arguably the best player in Europe this season. He has already notched 29 goals and 20 assists in 37 appearances, making him the key danger man for Liverpool once again as they take on Manchester City.
Best Betting Tips
- Both Teams to Score (YES) – 1.36 odds (1xbet)
- Over 2.5 Goals – 1.39 odds (1xbet)
