What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? While this may not be a clash quite of that magnitude this meeting brings together two teams both possessing incredible streaks, and both will be highly motivated to extend their own and put an end to that of their opponents.
Manchester City are on a 30 match unbeaten run in the league and are looking to become the first team to remain undefeated for a whole season since Arsenals "Invincibles" of 2004. So far this season they have won 20 of their 22 games drawing twice and with an amazing 15 point lead over their nearest rival with 16 games left to play it looks certain that they will finish the season in the number 1 spot.
New invincibles? City have not lost a game all season.
In Liverpool though they are facing an opponent who are on a 17 game unbeaten run of their own. And at Anfield you have to look back to 2003 to find the last time they didn't at least hold on to 1 point. Making it 14 games since they last lost to City at home.
There is sure to be lot's of goals as it is also a meeting between the two highest scoring teams in the league this season. One player who has found his shooting boots this season is former Red Raheem Sterling, currently City's top scorer with 14 goals. However due to the circumstances in which he left the club he is always faced with a hostile reception from the Kop and has not performed well any time he has played against his former team.
ex-Liverpool player Sterling has 14 goals this season
Liverpool have had a relatively good season with one of the few stand out dismal performances coming in the 5-0 defeat against Man City. In that game they were reduced to 10 men after Mane was red carded for raising his foot high and colliding with the City keeper. The Reds will be looking to avenge that loss and prove even without Coutinho they remain one of the strongest teams in the league.
Despite being on boasting almost unrivaled statistics City have caught some criticism lately, for some of their wins win have required late goals and their unbeaten run could already be over had it not been for a missed penalty against Crystal Palace. Some people are suggesting they are starting to run out of steam. They also go into this game without captain Vincent Kompany.
Injured captain Vincent Kompany
Liverpool have brought in £75million defender Virgil van Dijk hoping that he can bring some much needed leadership and solidify a defense that has been leaking goals for seasons now. However their weak point seems to be further back with the man between the sticks. Simon Mignolet ranks the lowest in the league when it comes to saves/shots faced letting in a goal for every 5 shots he manages to save. That is despite facing the 2nd least amount of shots in the league, Liverpool supporters will be hoping he improves those statistics as he's sure to have plenty to keep him busy on Sunday.
Sergio Aguero is a man who is likely to test Mignolet, he has a good record scoring against Liverpool however he has not yet managed to get a goal at Anfield. City may have to hope he changes that as Brazilian Gabriel Jesus is also missing through injury.
Not such a safe pair of hands Mignolet ranked the worst keeper in the league!
This game may not affect which team wins the league but with records to hang on to and new records to break you can be sure both clubs will contest this match as though everything was on the line. We won't know who's streaks will remain intact until the final whistle on Sunday but I think it is safe to say it is sure to be an exciting game and there should be plenty of goals.
The game takes place on January 14th at 16:00 GMT.
Nice preview buddy. Keep up the good work!
Thanks mate.
@originalworks