FA Cup semi-final: Why Liverpool hold the edge over Man City

The two best teams in England - and possibly Europe - will meet again in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday. Here’s how we see the match panning out.

Differences in preparation could give Liverpool the edge

Manchester City and Liverpool gave us one of the best games of the Premier League season last weekend. The 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium was pulsating throughout and at the end of 90 minutes, the two teams could not be separated. City and Liverpool will do it all again on Saturday – and this time there has to be a winner.

City shaded last weekend’s contest, creating the better chances and exploiting Liverpool’s high defensive line during the first half in particular. However, there is reason to believe the Reds could have the edge at Wembley.

Liverpool warmed up for this game with a 3-3 draw against Benfica at Anfield. Given their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League was all but secure before the second leg, Jurgen Klopp was able to leave the likes of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson and Fabinho out of his starting XI.

Pep Guardiola had no such luxury. City were involved in a bruising encounter against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital. Liverpool should be mentally and physically fresher on Saturday, so a price of 2.78 looks attractive.

Expect another entertaining encounter between these two

In the past, we regularly saw top Premier League sides adjust their tactics when they were facing strong opposition. Alex Ferguson was a master of doing so. Against Liverpool in the 1990s and Arsenal in the 2000s, he would often look to nullify the other team. Players like Phil Neville, Park Ji-sung and Darren Fletcher were especially important in that type of match.

City and Liverpool do not change for anyone. Whenever they go head-to-head, both teams look to take the initiative and play on the front foot.

That is usually good news for the neutrals. The two previous meetings between these sides this term ended 2-2. In that light, both teams to score and over 2.5 goals looks like good value at 1.9.

Mane can find the back of the net against City again

Sadio Mane notched Liverpool’s second equaliser at the Etihad Stadium last weekend. He only appeared as a substitute against Benfica, which suggests Klopp is planning to start him in the semi-final.

Some feel Mane has underperformed this season, but he has scored 16 goals in all competitions and continues to be a key player for Liverpool with his pressing and off-the-ball movement.

Kyle Walker looks set to miss Saturday’s game after picking up an injury against Atletico. That is good news for Mane. Joao Cancelo, the favourite to start at right-back, is a brilliant attacker but there is often space in behind him for forwards to exploit. Mane, priced by our traders at 3.35 to score anytime, will be licking his lips at that prospect.

Recommended bets

Liverpool @ 2.78

BTTS & over 2.5 @ 1.9

Mane anytime @ 3.35