Despite the fact that Liverpool still has seven matches to play in their season, they have clinched their first English Premier League title since 1989-90. They have posted a 28-2-1 record, good for 86 points, clear of second-place Manchester City by a whopping 23 points. City has lost seven more matches than has Liverpool, so a matchup between the top two teams in the table, which would normally feature some drama at this point in the season, is just part of Liverpool’s victory tour. This is why City, who needs more points in order to secure their spot in the 2020-2021 UEFA Champions League (if the sanction is lifted), is the favorite, as they have more on the line. To read more about this EPL match and decide whether you should include it in your week’s sports betting, take a look at our preview. Let’s see how the Premier League Odds will be for the Liverpool vs City.
English Premier League: Manchester City vs Liverpool (July 2)
- When: Thursday, July 2, 2020, 3:15 pm ET
- Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- TV: NBC Sports
- Radio: None
- Live Stream: fuboTV
- Premier League Odds: Manchester City 2.15 / Draw 3.98 / Liverpool 3.48
Why should you put your money on Liverpool?
Liverpool clinched their title on Wednesday when they hosted Crystal Palace. It did not take long for the presumptive EPL champions to take control of the match, as Trent Alexander-Arnold opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Mohamed Salah doubled the Reds’ lead just before halftime. In the second half, Liverpool left no doubt when Fabinho made it 3-0 in the 55th minute. In the 69th minute, Sadio Mane turned the match into a laugher with his goal, and the Reds maintained a clean sheet the whole way.
The rest of the statistics also reflected Liverpool’s domination of the match. They possessed for 74 percent of the game and outshot Crystal Palace, 21-3 (8-0 on target). There was little physicality and scant resistance from the visitors, as the teams combined for just a dozen fouls, with no cautions. Liverpool forced six corners but, overall, did not have to ask much out of themselves against a Crystal Palace team that seemed satisfied to let Liverpool have the day.
Why should you bet on Manchester City?
Manchester City has to want better things after taking an ugly loss on Thursday. They visited fourth-place Chelsea, and the Blues were ready to fight hard for the points they need for Champions League qualification. Christian Pulisic scored in the 36th minute for the hosts, but Kevin De Bruyne equalized for Manchester City in the 55th minute. City’s Fernandinho was shown a red card in the 77th minute, and Willian capitalized for Chelsea from the spot, giving the Blues a 2-1 lead that would become the final margin of victory.
Chelsea outshot Manchester City, 13-12 (8-4 on target) despite possessing for a third of the match. They also brought a great deal more of the physical energy, committing 11 of the match’s 13 fouls, although it was Fernandinho who ended up leaving City a man down for the last 15 minutes of the match. City was able to muster a credible amount of offensive pressure but could not handle Chelsea’s offense. If you like City on Thursday, you see their defense having figured matters out a bit — and you also see Liverpool playing with less intensity given that they have clinched their title. However, they may be committed to keeping their number of losses at one, and Manchester City’s recent EPL dominance could motivate the Reds to keep up the intensity.
Liverpool vs City Final Score Prediction
City has more to lose from an adverse result than does Liverpool, and after that debacle against Chelsea, I expect them to bring more energy to the match. I don’t think Liverpool will lie down for City, though, even on the road and even with the trophy already in the cabinet. I like City to prevail, but it will be a struggle. I predict a final score of City 2, Liverpool 1.
