English Premier
2011-04-11 - Liverpool vs Manchester City
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Monday Night Football comes from Anfield as Manchester City travels to face Liverpool and they visitors have lost their third place after Chelsea beat Wigan 1-0, while fifth-placed Tottenham are back within three points of City following their victory against Stoke.
Manchester City have one eye on this weekend as they take on Manchester United for the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. But City knows that Liverpool are currently unbeaten in eight games at home so they cannot afford to take the host lightly here.
Liverpool will want to avenge their 3-0 defeat they suffered last August to today's opponents, even though record signing Andy Carroll is still searching for his first Liverpool goal. Kenny Dalglish's men knows they still have slim hopes of playing in the Champions League if they can win here.
Merseyside rivals Everton are now one point behind their Merseyside rivals but a Liverpool victory would put them back within five points of Tottenham.
The visitors's have not won since Nicolas Anelka's last-gasp strike denied Liverpool a place in the 2003/04 Champions League. Since then they have drawn their last two trips to Anfield and last away win was at Newcastle on Boxing Day.
As for the team news, Dalglish have problems in defence as Daniel Agger (knee) and Glen Johnson (hamstring) suffered injuries in last week's 2-1 defeat at West Brom. The duo joins Martin Kelly on the sidelines.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos is set to come into the centre of defence for Agger while Fabio Aurelio is back in training after a hamstring injury and could start. Meanwhile Captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing groin surgery last week. Jay Spearing is likely to continue in central midfield, although Jonjo Shelvey is working his way back into contention after appearing for the reserves.
Pablo Zabaleta returns to the City squad after compassionate leave and could come in for youngster Dedryck Boyata at right-back. Meanwhile, Gareth Barry, James Milner and Edin Dzeko are all expected back after being rested in the 5-0 thrashing of Sunderland.
City are set to take a defensive approach so we could see Balotelli rested here. Also Adam Johnson will hope to keep his place on the wing after an impressive return to the starting line-up last week.
Take Manchester City not to lose this match.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Manchester City to win 2-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Manchester City to win.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Manchester City on level ball.
