A simply mouth-watering prospect; neutrals should expect a late Christmas gift as Manchester City put their impeccable home record on the line against a Liverpool side in scorching form.

Joe Hart looks to have reclaimed his number 1 spot back having started three of City’s last four

Just a point separates the pair, with the Premier League top spot feasibly up for grabs for today’s winner, if indeed there is one. And whilst City up to this point maintain a 100 per cent seasonal record at the Etihad, the nature of the Reds’ recent performances suggests only the bravest of punters will be indulging in match betting markets. Instead, backing a healthy amount of goals to punctuate the clash looks the wisest move, especially considering that the Citizens’ 17 league games this term have featured an incredible 71 total strikes. Meanwhile, no top-flight outfit has registered more times on the road than Liverpool, who have also netted on 22 occasions within their past four games all told. Luis Suarez leads the divisional goal charts with a ridiculous 19 goals from just 12 appearances, and Brendan Rodgers’ men must have a chance of getting something if the Uruguayan is at his electric best.

TEAM NEWS

Man City

• Micah Richards and Sergio Aguero injured
• Matija Nastasic and Pablo Zabaleta to be assessed before the match
• Joe Hart to continue in goal
• Jesus Navas in contention to start

Liverpool

• Sebastian Coates, Jose Enrique, Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge all injured
• Jon Flanagan to be assessed before the match

FORM GUIDE

Man City

Fulham	2 – 4	Man City
Leicester	1 – 3	Man City
Man City	6 – 3	Arsenal
B. Munich	2 – 3	Man City
Southampton	1 – 1	Man City

Liverpool

Liverpool	3 – 1	Cardiff
Tottenham	0 – 5	Liverpool
Liverpool	4 – 1	West Ham
Liverpool	5 – 1	Norwich
Hull	3 – 1	Liverpool

HEAD to HEAD

Man City	2 – 2	Liverpool
Liverpool	2 – 2	Man City
Liverpool	2 – 2	Man City
Man City	0 – 1	Liverpool
Man City	3 – 0	Liverpool

STATISTICS

• The last three meetings between this pair have ended 2-2
• 12 of Manchester City’s 17 seasonal league games have featured goals for either side
• Within City and Liverpool’s combined 34 Premier League games this term, 132 total strikes have emerged
• Luis Suarez has opened the scoring in three of the Reds’ last four outings, bagging nine times within this period
• Set-piece specialist Yaya Toure has notched four goals in his last four starts

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