Game Week 11 Predictions: City and Liverpool to rain goals at the Etihad

Manchester City vs Liverpool at Etihad: Title race heats up after Arsenal's slip. Haaland vs Salah duel key; BTTS verdict.

The duo of Manchester City and Liverpool would eye second spot as they head into this fixture at the Etihad. Who wins this one? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

 Manchester City vs. Liverpool.

Etihad Stadium

5:30pm

The title race was blown wide open on Saturday as Arsenal failed to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light; now, anyone who wins here becomes the real rival to the Gunners.

This is a huge opportunity for Manchester City to close the gap on the Gunners to four points. What an exciting race we have on our hands, and even if it’s the champions that bag maximum points at the Emirates, it still leaves us with a great league table.

Liverpool won this fixture at both ends last season, but you can argue it was a tough season for the Cityzens; Pep Guardiola has lots of reasons to give this one everything. The Spaniard would remember the chants of the Red Armies from last season; we’re sure to see a response.

Liverpool looks healed. They have gone back to how they were for most of last season. The champions took things professionally against Aston Villa last weekend and followed that with a fantastic performance and result against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

You feel the two sides are at the same level but with different motivations. The Citizens beat Bournemouth cleanly last weekend without really hitting top gear, and they took things further with a 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League; now it’s a huge one against Liverpool.

Mohammed Salah looks like a player who is rediscovering his touch; he will be immense for the visitors, and with Alexander Isak said to be back in training, the Kops have options up front, which include Cody Gakpo and the high-flying Hugo Ekitike.

Arsenal’s run after the break is tough on paper. The dropped points against Sunderland don’t suddenly make Arsenal a weak side; however, the chasing pack can gain some points on them if Arsenal does slip up again. However, that must start from this game.

Erling Haaland is in devastating form; Liverpool must be wary of him. His performance against Bournemouth was one for the books, and the way he contributes defensively too has turned him into a complete team player.

Rayan Cherki was among the goals in Europe, while Omar Marmoush has points to prove too. Phil Foden scored twice against BVB, and Guardiola would look to count on him for this one. Both sides need to win, as a draw would only be more beneficial to Arsenal. How will this one play out?

Verdict: Both teams must score.