The traditional curtain-raiser to the new Premier League football season kicks off at 5pm on Saturday at the King Power Stadium as the Premier League winners, Manchester City, face the FA Cup holders, Liverpool, at the home of Leicester City.
This clash is sure to set pulses racing as these two titans of English football go head-to-head in the first of at least three matches this season. We have previewed this fixture and provided our very best betting tips from NetBet’s unique football odds page so read on to find out more in our extensive preview.
Community Shield
Liverpool v Manchester City
Saturday July 30th, 5pm
King Power Stadium, Leicester
Live on ITV1
Liverpool v Manchester City Preview
What more can be said about the might of these two sides? They treated us to incredible campaign last season with their race to the title going down to the final day. At one point, it looked like the Premier League title might be going back to Anfield as City were 2-0 down at home to Aston Villa but Pep Guardiola’s men fought back to win 3-2 and break Liverpool hearts.
With the two sides facing off again, it should be an enthralling watch with both teams looking to strike an early blow ahead of the new campaign.
There have been some changes to both squads over the summer. Sadio Mane, so often Liverpool’s hero, has left for Bayern Munich and has been replaced by Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan will be keen to hit the ground running with the weight of huge price tag around his neck but the latest signs in pre-season have been encouraging.
Despite losing Raheem Sterling to Chelsea and Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal, Guardiola managed to sign superstar striker Erling Haaland in the close season. He will no doubt be the main man when it comes to goals but with Sterling moved on, that could be a vital cog missing in the City juggernaut.
We think Liverpool can edge this one and put down an early marker in the race for the title.
Liverpool v Manchester City Odds
There really isn’t a whole lot to choose between the sides, with City edging favouritism at the moment at 7/5 with Liverpool 9/5. It is 5/2 the draw after 90 minutes. Could this match go to penalties as Liverpool’s two domestic cup finals did last term?
Liverpool v Manchester City Betting Tips
Liverpool win and both teams to score – 7/2
Even though both Liverpool’s cup final wins last season were cagey affairs, there is a lot less pressure on this game than either of their victories in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup. As we said before, this is a great opportunity to lay down an early message and with both teams close to full tilt, there could be goals in this one. Having said that, we think Liverpool’s ability to win in one-off games stands them in good stead here but City’s firepower will be a huge threat.
Erling Haaland to score first – 16/5
Haaland’s reputation definitely precedes him. The charismatic Norwegian, who’s father Alf Inge also played for City, has scored goals for fun in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund over the past few seasons and he is without doubt one of the most feared strikers on the planet. He is good in the air, quick and possesses a lethal finish with either foot. He could kick his City career off in the best way possible on Saturday evening.
Manchester City at half time/Liverpool full time – 27/1
It is very rare that City go in front and lose a lead but if there is an opponent who can peg them back, it is Liverpool. Klopp may mix it up a bit concerning team selection and leave some trump cards on the bench to bring on at the break. If that is the case, they could definitely turn their match around should they be in trouble in the first half. The likes of Nunez, Mo Salah and Luis Diaz can strike fear into any team on the planet so it could be a thrilling game in the East Midlands.
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