Liverpool vs Manchester City prediction

Manchester City arrive at Anfield on Sunday 11 October having won all five of their league games, according to reports, and the visitors are described as league leaders. That run is the starting point for why the lean here is that Liverpool do not win, whether through a draw or a City victory. Liverpool's forward line is the main concern. Alexander Isak left international duty with a thigh problem and Cody Gakpo came home early with an ankle injury, and reports say both are doubts. One report quotes the manager saying it is a matter of whether they recover in time, and that right now both are injured. Another says the Isak issue is not believed to be serious, so his status is far from settled. Hugo Ekitike is out with a long-term Achilles injury, and reports list Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Federico Chiesa among the other absentees. One report counts six Liverpool players either sidelined or doubtful. If both Isak and Gakpo miss out, Liverpool would be short of senior forwards against the league leaders. There are reasons for caution. Liverpool still have creative options, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz expected to feature, and the match is at home. The thing to watch is the team news before the 4.30pm UK kick-off. If Isak and Gakpo are both declared fit and start, the picture for Liverpool improves.