GW13 Premier League Preview: Liverpool to Deliver the Knockout Blow to City's Defence?

Welcome back to the weekly Premier League Gameweek Preview. After exciting action last weekend and during the midweek European ties, we turn our heads to this week's Premier League action, where there are some cracking matches set to be on display.

The Meaty One:

Liverpool vs Manchester City 01/12 16:00 KO

Manchester City are once again in the limelight as they come face to face with the strongest challengers for this year's title. City are in a calamitous run of form, now on a 6 game winless streak, the longest in all competitions under Pep Guardiola.

The Sky Blues were destroyed by a plucky Spurs side on the weekend on their home turf. City, without Rodri nor Kovacic, played right into Spurs' hands as they deployed their direct counterattacks to seize on the chances given to them. The City press was at sixes and sevens with the midfield trio of Lewis, Gundogan and Silva unsure when to press/track their men.

Following the embarrassing 4-0 loss, City appeared to return to form when they cruised to a 3-0 lead against Feyenoord in the Champions League. Yet, the Dutch side struck 3 times in the final 15 minutes to comeback, shocking the City faithful yet again. Pep Guardiola has much to do to get his side back on song and a visit from Liverpool is not what they need. Whilst Guardiola has been blaming injuries as a partial reason for their poor form, bar Rodri, Bobb, Kovacic and Doku, the Catalan has a fully fit squad to choose from!

Contrastingly, Liverpool are on an unbeaten run that stretches all the way back to September, coincidentally, their only defeat of the season in all competitions. Arne Slot, whilst inheriting a solid squad, has got the best out of Liverpool, even battling key injuries to Alisson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

A crazy comeback against Southampton on the weekend was consolidated by a sensational 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League. Indeed, Real Madrid were a weaker side than usual, but Liverpool delivered a stunning performance that included strong attacks as well as gritty defensive work (Connor Bradley take a bow son). At home again this weekend, they'll be fired up to face City.

Based on current form, I see Liverpool having fun here against City. Both sides will be eager to have possession of the ball, leading to lots of pressing, likely leaving space in behind. Although, I wonder if Pep might do something he normally doesn't do - be more pragmatic? A draw against Liverpool would be an excellent result for City away from home, whilst Liverpool know that another win would increase the gap between them and the title-holders to 11 points!

Jack's Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Manchester City

The Goals Fest:

Brentford vs Leicester City 30/11 15:00 KO

Free-scoring Brentford were thwarted by a resilient Everton side last weekend as The Bees were held to a 0-0 draw. Christian Nørgaard's unfair red card certainly changed proceedings but Brentford still looked deadly on the counter as Everton tried to push home the advantage.

Thomas Frank's change from being more defensive-minded to all-out attack has pushed Brentford up the xG standings. This season The Bees sit 7th for xG with their style great for the neutral spectator. You never quite know how many goals they'll score!

Leicester City, on the other hand, are in a tricky spell. They've been under the cosh for much of this season, but have still managed to find key points here and there. However, they've now sacked Steve Cooper after 12 games in charge. His appointment always baffled me, especially as they had become such a progressive side under former manager Enzo Maresca. Cooper's play style was the complete opposite.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is now set to become the next manager in an extremely risky appointment. The Dutchman was only in interim charge of Manchester United for a handful of games, although he did go undefeated in his 4 games in charge. Thus, The Foxes could be taking a huge leap of faith with van Nistelrooy, although. what do they have to lose? This could be the break the Dutchman needs to propel his managerial career. Conversely, it could be a step too soon.

With Leicester likely to be managerless this weekend, I expect Brentford will have the upper hand on Saturday. The Bees know exactly where they can sting The Foxes, leading to a potentially huge score. If van Nistelrooy does sign for Leicester, it might want to skip viewing this game.

Jack's Prediction: Brentford 4-1 Leicester

The Six-Pointer

Manchester United vs Everton 01/12 13:30 KO

Speaking of United, Ruben Amorim will be under pressure to secure his first win in the Premier League this weekend. His first game in charge ended in a frustrating draw. Whilst United dominated the ball, they were still defensively suspect, being carved open easily by Ipswich who, on the basis of play, deserved a draw.

Amorim now faces Everton, who will be a tough nut to crack. United showed glimpses of Amorim's style against Ipswich but not enough. In particular, certain players' positioning was poor, allowing the opponent to exploit out of position players in turnovers. United do have a game in the Europa League which will give Amorim another chance to see how far his new team has come.

Everton drew again on the weekend, registering their 5th Premier League draw of the season with three of those being 0-0. Sean Dyche will argue that defensive solidity, something they were missing at the start of the season, is the priority if The Toffees want to stay up. Yet, their attacking impetus is poor. Unable to convert chances and frequently out of ideas in build-up play, Everton fans will be frustrated with how their side have been playing for the vast majority of this season. Yet, this weekend, a draw with Manchester United would probably be welcomed.

Ruben Amorim will be feeling the fans' intensity this weekend at Old Trafford. Whilst everyone must remember that he needs time to implement his philosophy with players who don't necessarily suit his play style, the manager of Manchester United is always under pressure. This game could be nervy with Everton extremely likely to sit back and frustrate the home side.

Jack's Prediction: Manchester United 1-0 Everton