Anyone remember Erling Haaland?
Manchester City take on Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday evening.
One disclaimer I have ahead of picking an angle for this fixture would be: make sure you wait for team news before selecting a bet.
There is a fair amount of ambiguity about how strong Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp will go for this one.
The Reds have the trickier game to prepare for on Boxing Day, travelling to Aston Villa, where City are at Leeds United, but the fitness of certain individuals following the World Cup does not seem clear right now.
Liverpool are arguably in a position where they should be focussing on retaining the Carabao Cup compared to City, with some ground to make up to finish in the top four this season which will be their priority.
Especially, in looking to attract successful new owners to the club.
Background
Arthur, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are sidelined for this one, the latter has been a key player for the Reds since arriving in January, and the World Cup hangover may favour City who have a deeper squad in certain areas.
City are five points behind Arsenal in the Premier League, the league will take priority over the Carabao Cup, but it feels like Guardiola can have more faith, in part due to Gabriel Jesus’ injury, in City overtaking the Gunners, than the Reds can in climbing to fourth if they are distracted by cup competitions this season.
Erling Haaland will be chomping at the bit to get a piece of the action after missing out on the World Cup spotlight, and that may be bad news for the Reds.
Virgil Van Dijk reached the quarter finals of the Word Cup with Netherlands, and Ibrahima Konate will likely be unavailable after his exploits with France.
Goals?
Unders could be an option as the two sides ease their way back into competitive action for their clubs.
But, with this being a knockout tie I am less enticed to take an unders play.
City have scored in seven of ten.
City have conceded in five of ten.
City have seen both teams score in four of ten.
City have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Liverpool have scored in eight of ten.
Liverpool have conceded in five of ten.
Liverpool have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Liverpool have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
3-2 City, best team in the world.