Liverpool vs Manchester City: Perfect Leaders Face Anfield Test

Manchester City will attempt to protect their perfect Premier League start when they visit unbeaten Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. City have collected 15 points from their opening five league matches, while Liverpool remain undefeated with two victories and three draws. City bring greater momentum, but Liverpool possess home advantage and have shown defensive improvement.
Liverpool face an attacking shortage: Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo have been ruled out after returning from international duty with thigh and ankle problems. Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are also unavailable. Federico Chiesa could return, while Jeremy Jacquet is expected to be available. Bradley Barcola could move centrally, although that role brings different positioning and physical demands. Manchester City have confirmed that Erling Haaland is fit. Phil Foden is suspended, while Nico O’Reilly’s condition requires monitoring.
Recent form: Liverpool entered the break after defeating Bournemouth 1–0. Their defensive organisation has improved, although their opening two home league fixtures both ended in draws. City’s latest league match produced a dramatic 5–3 victory over Sunderland, demonstrating their attacking power while also exposing defensive openings. City remain the only Premier League team with a perfect record after five matches; Liverpool are unbeaten but sit six points behind the leaders.
Tactical outlook: Liverpool may press City’s build-up aggressively and attack quickly from wide areas. However, committing players forward could create space for Haaland and City’s supporting runners. Without Isak, Gakpo and Ekitike, Liverpool may struggle to occupy City’s centre-backs or convert promising possession into clear chances. City should attempt to control possession, draw Liverpool’s press forward and attack the space behind it. Foden’s suspension removes an important creator, but City retain several attacking alternatives.
Why Manchester City Draw No Bet? City’s five consecutive league victories make them difficult to oppose, while Liverpool’s attacking injuries weaken the hosts. A straight City victory offers higher odds, but Anfield and Liverpool’s unbeaten record make the draw a significant possibility. The Draw No Bet market provides protection: the selection wins if City win, and the stake is returned if the match finishes level. A Liverpool victory loses the selection.
Risk factors: Liverpool remain unbeaten and will have a powerful home crowd behind them. Their defensive structure could frustrate City, while aggressive pressing may force mistakes. City also conceded three goals against Sunderland, and Foden’s suspension could affect their ability to break down a compact defence.
FootyTactix verdict: City’s form, attacking depth and Liverpool’s absences give the visitors a narrow advantage. The recommended market is Manchester City Draw No Bet at 1.80, with a projected 2–1 City victory. Odds were checked with bet365 on October 10, 2026 at 4:12 PM Central Time. Odds can change before kickoff. This selection is analysis, not a guarantee.