8th Nov 2020 | Premier League
Champions Deserve Ongoing Respect
Talk of the most open title race in years is contingent on the belief that the Merseysiders have dropped down a few levels. Take out one result and the evidence for this is scant.
Perhaps it’s too big an ask to expect people to forget Liverpool’s 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa. But if you did, you’d see a team pretty much continuing from where they left off last season; top of the league at the start of the weekend for a reason.
The Reds have coped admirably so far with the loss of Van Dijk, even if league clean sheets have been lacking. It doesn’t matter too much when Salah, Mane and new boy Jota are thriving down the other end.
The same can’t be said of Manchester City who have suddenly struggled for league goals, almost out of nowhere. This is the main reason for taking PaddyPower’s 9/2 on Liverpool winning 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1. Surely three of the most likely outcomes here.
After getting thumped by Leicester 5-2, Pep’s boys have steadied the ship, but the loss of their swagger is notable. They could go five league matches without scoring more than one goal for the first time in 11 years here.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 07:59 8th Nov, 2020 but subject to change