class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Boasting a strong home record against the Reds, Al Hain-Cole is backing Guardiola's men to prove too strong for their understrength visitors

The Premier League title race could take an early twist when Manchester City welcome Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s men are five points adrift of the leaders in 10th place, although have played one fewer match so far.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Latest Odds

Unbeaten in four home league games against this opposition, they are 19/20 (1.95) favourites with bet365 to close the gap to just a single point with a big win.

The Reds are top of the league on goal difference and come into this clash on the back of a five-match winning streak in all competitions, and can be backed at 12/5 (3.40) to open up a big cushion by coming out on top here.

None of the last 16 fixtures at this ground have resulted in draws, but you can get odds of 16/5 (4.20) on this one finishing up all square.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Team News

Gabriel Jesus is back following injury but Sergio Aguero remains sidelined and Fernandinho and Benjamin Mendy are also both ruled out.

Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all sidelined, as is Thiago Alcantara, but Joel Matip is fit to start.

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Laporte, Dias, Cancelo; Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Torres, Sterling, Jesus

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Jota; Salah, Mane, Firmino

Manchester City vs Liverpool Preview

Although they may be top of the league going into the weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s team is still a far cry from the one that romped to last season’s title.

Van Dijk’s injury has left a massive hole in a backline that was already looking rather vulnerable, underlined by the shocking 7-2 defeat against Aston Villa with the Dutchman at the heart of the defence.

In fact, they have only kept two clean sheets in their last nine away matches in the league, conceding 20 goals and suffering four defeats.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Tips and Predictions

Having won their last three home league matches against Liverpool by a combined 11-1 scoreline, those 19/20 (1.95) odds seem pretty generous on City taking advantage of any weakness in the opposition defence and pulling off a highly significant victory.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.