Manchester City vs Liverpool Bet Builder Tips: BTTS in 18/1 shot

Manchester may be out of the Uefa Champions League and a Premier League title defence looks unlikely as they sit 17 points adrift of leaders Liverpool, but the Citizens are building towards a strong end to the campaign as they battle for a place inside the top four. They welcome the Reds to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday (16:30, Sky Sports Main Event).

Liverpool were able to salvage a draw at Aston Villa on Wednesday after initially going ahead in the game. Cracks are starting to appear in Arne Slot's side and City, who have been improving at home, will feel they can exploit them. Below you will find my Manchester City vs Liverpool bet builder tips, which pay out at an enticing 18/1.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Odds

Man City or draw

City have fallen way short of expectations this term but if someone can turn it around, it's Pep Guardiola. With the Citizens bolstering their ranks in January and likely more to come in the summer, we're expecting them to bounce back strongly next term.

European and domestic supremacy doesn't look to be an option this year but they are still in the FA Cup and are still battling for a top-four finish in the Premier League. We saw them thrash Newcastle United 4-0 on home soil last Saturday, which came as a surprise to many, but they have now won their last three home games in the top flight, which should have Liverpool feeling nervy.

The Reds have looked off the boil at times in recent weeks and they have drawn three of their past five away trips in the league. Their game plan at Villa was confusing and their midfield was easy to bypass, something they cannot afford against the reigning champions on Sunday.

A win here would be a huge statement from Man City, but they have blown hot and cold throughout the campaign, so there are no guarantees that we will see them play as good as they did a week ago.

The home factor could play its part, but I'm equally aware of the response Liverpool need to show after a disappointing display in the week. I think double chance in City's favour is a smart selection here.

Both teams to score

With the two teams boasting the two leading marksmen in the division in Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, 24) and Erling Haaland (Man City, 19), it's fair to assume that this contest will provide entertainment at both ends of the pitch.

Four of Liverpool's previous five appearances in the league have produced goals at both ends, while this market has also struck in four of City's last five home games in the top flight.

The hosts' defence has been shaky throughout the campaign, while Liverpool's vulnerabilities have emerged more recently, but it doesn't bode well for them against a team that are growing in strength on home soil.

There have also been goals at both ends in three of the pas four meetings between the two clubs in the Premier League.

Alexis Mac Allister to be carded

This fixture has proven to be a feisty one over years and I think that cards will be shown in east Manchester. I'd argue that this is my bravest pick of the Bet Builder so far but I have gone for Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister to go into the book.

The Argentine is currently averaging 2.3 fouls per game in the top flight, while only picking up six bookings to date. This would suggest that the Reds midfielder has been fortunate in a lot of the games he's played this term, but in a high-calibre game such as this, you would expect two offences to result in a yellow card.

Given how open Liverpool's midfield were at Villa, Mac Allister could be set for a lot of defensive work against City, who have players who can drive quickly if given room to burst. I fancy his chances of going into the book on Sunday.

Football Odds

Omar Marmoush 2+ shots on target

Man City's January recruit Omar Marmoush opened his account in style last weekend by netting a hat-trick against Newcastle. The Egyptian has looked impressive in his first few appearances for the Citizens, and I think he could be in line to play a starring role against Liverpool.

The attacker loves to make smart runs off the shoulder, which often troubles defences. Given how dysfunctional Liverpool have looked in some of their recent matches, Marmoush can wreak havoc amongst the Reds' back line to get into goalscoring positions.

The confidence gained from his three goals last weekend should serve him well in this crunch clash, and I think he's worth backing to test goalkeeper Alisson at least twice at the Etihad.

Offers

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