I don't want to believe completely that it's all about Liverpool here, city too has got a good squad and depth except for the fact that a jey player as rodri who is one of their play maker will be absent, Manchester isn't in that very terrible form and this is premier League where they are rated as almost equals, I know I Liverpool is at advantage as the host but I'm a bit optimistic about Manchester City hoping to get a draw if possible because if they loose this, it's going to affect their position on the table and threaten their chances of been in the title race this season for the premiere league.
Both teams have the same quality, both teams have a balanced squad. But in this match I will support Liverpool to win this match, because besides Liverpool playing at home they also have high confidence after beating Real Madrid in the Champions League. This is very different from Man City's condition, they have not won a match in the last five matches, this will certainly affect the mentality of Man City players, it can be said that in this match Liverpool's readiness is much better than Man City.
In addition, if you look at Man City's current performance, it is very different from last season. This season Pep still hasn't found the right scheme for this season because several of his key players are injured, especially the back sector is very easily exposed when hit by a fast counterattack, even though previously there was Rodri, Stone could be a double pivot to help filter fast counterattacks. The front line also lacks creative players, KDB is often injured, ball distribution is very slow when the opponent uses a low defensive line, finally getting hit by a fast counterattack. Previously there was Alvarez, a player who could be a false nine when Haaland was held back.
So it seems like this is a tough season for Man City, last season Man City was consistent in the second half of the season, but for this season it seems like it will be difficult. Even if shopping in January is just a panic purchase, new players may not immediately fit Pep's scheme.