Against All Odds: Reds to take something from the Etihad

Luis Suarez won't give the City defenders any respite today

Liverpool travel to Manchester City this afternoon and despite showing some good recent form, they aren't expected to get anything from this match, something which Paul Robinson disagrees with.

Manchester City couldn't break down QPR on Tuesday night and the 0-0 draw means they now trail United by 10 points, although they do have a game in hand. With no European football left, Roberto Mancini's future could look bleak if he can't deliver a second Premier League title this summer.

Prior to that draw at Loftus Road, City had been in good form, winning their previous six in all competitions. Sergio Aguero is back from injury but something doesn't seem to be quite clicking for them this term and the absence of skipper, Vincent Kompany, could prove vital for this match. Matija Nastasic should return to partner Joleon Lescott at the back but I wouldn't fancy them to be able to contain the sublime Luis Suarez.

Liverpool blew a two goal lead at the Emirates on Wednesday to draw 2-2 with Arsenal but the performance was good and it at least put the debacle at Oldham behind them. The Reds have been in good form in the league, thrashing QPR, Sunderland and Norwich, and although they lost at Old Trafford, they were much better in the second half and could have taken a point.

Daniel Sturridge has added a bit more threat up front and Jamie Carragher's surprise return to the back four has made them into a much more solid unit as Martin Skrtel's form has dipped lately. Steven Gerrard is playing his best football for two years and the much maligned Jordan Henderson is finally showing what he can do now he's being played in his favoured position.

Manchester City just aren't as good as they were last season for my money, so with a resurgent Liverpool in town, at around the 1.9520/21 mark, I have to make them my lay of the day.
 
Recommended Bet
Lay Man City v Liverpool @ 1.9520/21

This match can be seen live on Sky Sports One from 16:00

2013 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 33 pts
Returned: 27.93 pts
P/L - 5.07 pts (after commission)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)