Don’t you just love an international break from domestic football? It’s always a nice and subdued time. Sure, there’s always the risk that your best players pick up an injury in a game that many are dubbing as a ‘glorified friendly’ and yes, it does mean that your weekly acca isn’t as exciting, but at least you know when the season picks up again, nothing eventful will have happened…
Of course we need to address that massive elephant in the room. Yes, Man City have been found guilty of all but one of the financial charges they were faced with, and yes, this is quite possibly the biggest scandal in the history of the Premier League, but hey, at least we were treated to a cracking game on Sunday.
At the start of the season, Liverpool were definitely up there with the bookies in terms of favourites, but as we’re now into autumn, have their odds dipped or improved, especially after their showdown with Manchester City on Sunday? Well, that’s what we want to look at today.
Here’s a look at Liverpool’s odds after their showdown with title (potential) contenders Manchester City.
Liverpool Odds to Win the EPL
Right, let’s cut straight to the chase to begin with and let’s take a look at what the bookmakers think Liverpool’s chances will be after they met team from the blue side of Manchester over the weekend.
Well, following Sunday’s result, Liverpool’s odds have dipped slightly, despite the uncertainty surrounding Man City and what will happen to them as far as punishments go. Currently, Betfree.ie are showing William Hill and Ladbrokes are both offering 16/1 odds if you want to back The Reds for the title.
A Surreal Showdown at Anfield
Even before the international break and the off-pitch shenanigans that City have found themselves embroiled in, there was a real sense of anticipation surrounding this showdown at Anfield.
Last season, Liverpool failed to deliver the goods, and subsequently they relieved Arne Slot of his duties, and brought in Andoni Iraola as his replacement. Thus far, the new head coach has failed to deliver the goods, and many believe it’s only a matter of time before the fans begin to turn on him. This match was his chance to prove the naysayers wrong, and to show that Liverpool can indeed compete with the EPL’s best. Sadly, that was not to be.
Liverpool were without a number of prominent players as a result of injuries picked up in international duty, and it showed on the pitch. Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Dominic Szoboszlai were all out of action, and it was definitely noticeable, despite the fans in Anfield doing their best to throw City off their game. Unfortunately, that strategy didn’t work as, despite the hostile atmosphere, City still managed to clinch 3 points in fairly comfortable fashion, thanks to three goals and a red card for Liverpool’s Gravenberch in the 62nd minute.
City dictated the pace, held possession, and never looked to be in any real danger. In what was their first performance since being found guilty of more than 100 charges, City were able to set aside any concerns regarding ‘sham contracts’ and points deductions, and focus on doing what they do best, which is playing football.
Haaland had a number of chances before eventually finding the net in the 65th minute. Doku followed up with a second less than 4 minutes later, before Cherki solidified Liverpool’s fate in the 78th minute with a third.
City are still potential favourites for the title, though that of course remains a huge uncertainty, as nobody knows what sort of punishment they will be handed, and when, assuming of course, that their appeal against the guilty verdicts for financial breaches, is unsuccessful. Will they be stripped of previous titles? Will they be forced to sell their best players? Will they receive a monumental points deduction and be banished from the EPL? Nobody knows, but it’s going to make for fascinating viewing, unless you’re a City fan, of course.
Liverpool Lacking Quality
Whilst City looked strong, we can’t overlook the fact that Liverpool have struggled to get up and running so far this season.
Yes, The Reds are without prominent players, but even so, many of their big names and big summer signings have failed to deliver. Florian Wirtz, who cost an unbelievable £116 million in 2025, has looked sluggish and vulnerable on and off the ball. Bradley Barcola, who was signed in the summer for a staggering £123 million, also failed to deliver and was subbed off in the 66th minute.
Out of everybody, it was Victor Munoz who actually looked up for it. Fans may take solace in the fact that it was their first defeat of the season, but with just 2 victories, and 9 points to their name, fans will be expecting much more from a team that was, at the start of the season, heavily tipped to challenge for the title.
