Top-level domestic football is set to return following a thrilling World Cup in Qatar when Liverpool take on Manchester City. The heavyweight contest will take place at the Etihad Stadium on December 22nd with a place in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup up for grabs. It’s expected to be an exciting game and fans who intend to bet on the match can use an ice casino promo code to get a welcome bonus and make the most of their money.
City have dominated the EFL Cup in recent years as they’ve won four of the last five trophies, with Liverpool last year preventing them from making it five in a row. The two Premier League giants have now been drawn to face each other in the round of 16. Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are already out of the competition, and one of Liverpool and City are set to follow, so the majority of the ‘big six’ will be eliminated before the quarter-final stages.
Man City knocked out Chelsea in the last round and they’ll now face Liverpool so Pep Guardiola’s side will certainly have to do it the hard way if they want to reclaim the EFL Cup this season. The Premier League champions will be eager to get back to domestic football but this game will be played just days following the World Cup final.
Betting odds
Man City are the 8/11 favourites with the bookmakers to win the game. Liverpool can be backed at odds of 16/5 while the draw is available at 13/5.
- Man City win 8/11
- Draw 13/5
- Liverpool win 16/5
This is going to be another tough match for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp is likely to field a second-string side, so the chances are City will edge it. A 2-1 Man City victory can be backed at odds of 15/2.
If you fancy Liverpool to get the job done at the Etihad Stadium, you can bet on the Reds to win 2-1 at odds of 14/1. A 2-2 draw may also be tempting at 11/1.
Team news
With Premier League football returning over the festive period and many players still not back in full training with their clubs following the World Cup, both managers are likely to field weakened sides.
Klopp will still be without Luis Diaz after he suffered a set-back in his recovery from a knee injury while Diogo Jota is also still unavailable for selection. Arthur won’t feature either due to a long-term injury while Harvey Elliott is a doubt.
Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino will be fresh after not competing at the World Cup, but Ibrahima Konate won’t be in contention after playing in the World Cup final on Sunday.
As for Man City, Erling Haaland will be raring to go after not playing in Qatar while the likes of Stefan Ortega, Aymeric Laporte, Manuel Akanji, Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri and Riyad Mahrez should feature.
Prediction
It’s difficult to make a prediction as we don’t know the strength of squads that will be available for both managers so soon after the World Cup. However, City have always taken this competition seriously and Guardiola has a strong squad to choose from.
Liverpool need to get themselves back in the top four of the Premier League so Klopp may not take too many risks with his star names. Therefore, we expect City to edge it. Man City 2-1 Liverpool
