Premier League 2019-20: 3 reasons why Manchester City will beat Liverpool this weekend

The Premier League season is well underway and although we have had many great matches so far, the biggest is set to take place this weekend. There have been many surprises, twists and turns already this season, but Manchester City and Liverpool have continued their dominance at the top.

Whilst Liverpool have been virtually flawless, dropping only two points, Manchester City have had a few blips which have seen them fall six points below their title rivals. Nevertheless, the season is still young and both Liverpool and Manchester City will be well aware of the similar position the two clubs were last season.

This Sunday, the two English behemoths will face each other for the first time this season at Liverpool's hallowed Anfield. This is a huge opportunity for both teams as a win for Liverpool will see their lead stretch to nine points, and a win for Manchester City will see the gap closed to just three.

In this article, we look at three reasons why Manchester City will defeat Liverpool this weekend.

#3 Psychological edge

Manchester City dramatically won the title last season

Though the two teams are virtually equal in terms of star power, Manchester City seem to have the psychological edge over Liverpool, for a few reasons.

Firstly, Liverpool have never won a Premier League title, and that is a huge mental barrier for the club. Manchester City, on the other hand, have won the last two league titles and know fully well what it takes to win the toughest league in the world.

Secondly, Liverpool were in a similar position last season and yet Manchester City still managed to pip them to the post in one of the most closely fought title races in years. That was a major mental blow for Liverpool, and Manchester City will be well-aware of their opponents' psychological state.

The fear of Liverpool making the same mistake again is ever-present, whether they like to admit it or not.

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#2 Liverpool have shown cracks in their armor

Sergio Aguero has started the season in good form with 9 goals and two assists.

Liverpool have started the season almost perfectly, being undefeated so far. Nevertheless, they did lose their first, and so far only, points when they faced Manchester United in late October.

This may seem like a minor issue, but it is not. Liverpool have shed blood and Manchester City will be bolstered by it. By drawing against Manchester United, Liverpool showed that they are not invincible and that there are a few cracks in their armor.

Psychologically, this is a significant element for both teams. On the one hand, Manchester City will feel more confident that they can defeat Liverpool, and on the other, Liverpool will be now aware that they will eventually drop more points during the season.

Furthermore, Liverpool have frequently gone into half-time trailing this season, something Jurgen Klopp himself has admitted is a problem. Though they have come back to win the majority of those games, can they do so against a team like Manchester City?

#1 Manchester City have been better in front of goal

For both club and country, Sterling has been outstanding in front of goal

Liverpool may be six points ahead of Manchester City on the league table, but it is City who has been more prolific in front of goal.

By looking at the two sides' goal difference we can see that defensively speaking they have been virtually equal, with Liverpool's nine goals conceded being just one better than Manchester City's 10. In front of goal, however, Manchester City have been far more productive with their 34 goals being nine better than Liverpool's 25.

It stands to reason that Manchester City will cause deep trouble for Liverpool's defense, as they have for every other club they have faced.