Liverpool vs Manchester City Stats-Based Bet Builder Tips: Cherki to call the tune

Liverpool and Manchester City continue their thoroughly modern rivalry this Sunday, February 8 (16:30 GMT, Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event). Unusually, only one of the sides is truly in the Premier League title race as we pull into the business end of the season. 

Liverpool’s 2024/25 title win is beginning to look like a distant memory amid Anfield unrest. Meanwhile at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola is overseeing yet another iteration of that thing where everyone says City aren’t as good this season before he probably wins the title anyway. It was ever thus. Read on for my Liverpool vs Man City Bet Builder backed by stats and numbers, and other stuff your Dad says is killing football.

Both teams to score

This market has landed in three of City’s last five league games and four of Liverpool’s previous five outings. Arne Slot’s men are coming in fresh from knocking four past Newcastle United, while City drew with Spurs 2-2 in an open game. 

With neither side as miserly at the back as they used to be, allied with still-dangerous attacking talent, this feels like a game with goals on both sides.

Premier League Odds

Draw or Man City

As Arsenal threaten to disappear in the distance, Pep will want to do everything in his power to ensure the gap doesn’t get beyond the current six points. Only Manchester United have beaten the Citizens in their last 12 outings. 

However, four of those results were draws. Liverpool will be up for this one after their heroics here against Newcastle. With their blue-clad opponents looking a little leakier than yesteryear, I could see a draw.

Over 8.5 shots on target

City have the third-highest average in the league for shots on targets per 90 minutes, with five exactly. Liverpool are posting a per-90 average of 4.42. So on the numbers we’ll comfortably clear the 8.5 total I’ve set for us here.

Both teams have defensive frailties, high-profile attackers and plenty to play for. I think there will be saves aplenty for the goalkeepers to make.

Liverpool vs Manchester City Odds

Rayan Cherki assist

City have been blessed with creators aplenty in recent years. From the generational brilliance of Kevin de Bruyne to the industrial ballast of Ilkay Gundogan via the ageless elegance of Bernardo Silva and the primary-colours flash of Phil Foden. 

Guardiola added the Gallic symphony-conductor Rayan Cherki to his ranks in the summer. The ex-Lyon man is second in the Premier League assists stakes to United rival Bruno Fernandes. Cherki has teed up seven goals so far this term. If City keep tune today, there is a good chance it will be from the creative flicks of Cherki’s baton.

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