Liverpool v Man City Tip

Liverpool are something of a unique phenomenon in English football. They have finished between sixth and eighth for three seasons running, which suggests they are a good but not great side. However, where they excel is at home to the biggest opponents; they have an Anfield X-Factor that simply isn’t reflected in their odds. At best odds of 21/10 with Bluesquare, they are a strong price to beat Manchester City.

In many ways, a home fixture against the champions is an ideal start for Brendan Rodgers. The role of underdogs belies the fact that City haven’t won this fixture in nine attempts stretching back to 2003.

The Reds also knocked the Blues out of the Carling Cup last season after a 1-0 victory at the Etihad was followed by a thrilling 2-2 draw on Merseyside. Manchester United were defeated 2-1 at Anfield in the FA Cup while Chelsea were on the wrong end of a 4-1 reverse in May, even if their minds were elsewhere.

There will be a cup tie atmosphere on Sunday afternoon and the champions, without Aguero, will have their work cut out.