It was Borussia Dortmund who downed the two English powerhouses, first seeing off City 1-0 before dispatching of the Reds 3-1 on Sunday night, with Loris Karius again finding himself under the spotlight.
Liverpool to win against Man City and both teams to score is 5/2
Now it’s time for the two Premier League rivals to meet in New Jersey, as they look to deal the other a potential early psychological blow ahead of the new season.
The Two Teams
Sunday’s aforementioned loss to Dortmund was Liverpool’s first of the summer, albeit having faced four lower league opponents prior to the match.
In truth, Jurgen Klopp’s side arguably deserved to win but they ran out of steam and were ironically undone late in the day by Christian Pulisic – a man linked with a move to Merseyside in the recent past.
Mighty header from @VirgilvDijk! 💪💥
Next up in the #ICC2018, @ManCity at the @MLStadium (26th July, 1.05am KO BST). Watch live on @LFCTV and @LFCTV GO: https://t.co/MwNy34KVHd pic.twitter.com/30FVnGBHGD
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 23, 2018
Results are relatively meaningless in pre-season, however – remember when Liverpool looked great in the summer of 2014 before performing horrendously? – and getting players fully fit and in form is more paramount than anything.
New signing Naby Keita has caught the eye immediately, displaying the kind of all-round ability that is going to transform the Reds’ midfield.
Fabinho has also shown the top class positional sense and tactical awareness that will make him such an effective No.6, while there has been a pleasing resurgence from Daniel Sturridge.
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Gini Wijnaldum and Marko Grujic could all return for the first time this summer – how much they play remains to be seen.
Much like Liverpool, City are still without a number of key players, following their excursions at the World Cup in Russia.
Mo Salah to score and Liverpool to win is 5/2 with RedsBet
That list includes Ederson, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus.
Pep Guardiola had to make do with a makeshift starting lineup in their first game of the summer against Dortmund, with a number of youngsters used, as well as new man Riyad Mahrez.
Leroy Sane could come back into the side having returned to full fitness, which is an obvious boost considering the stunning season he enjoyed at the Etihad in 2017/18.
They are likely to be undercooked against Liverpool, though, in what is a battle between the two bookies’ favourites for the 2018/19 Premier League title.
The Match
For those of you with no idea how the International Champions Cup works – I don’t blame you if you don’t! – a total of 18 top European sides are doing battle between July 20th and August 11th.
Included are the Premier League’s ‘big six’ of Liverpool, City, Man United, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Each team will play three games, with the victor decided by what is sure to be goal difference, considering there is just one league with all 18 teams in it.
Sounds fun, right?
It’s fair to say Liverpool and City already have the odds stacked against them after falling short in their opening match, so only victory will do at the impressive MetLife Stadium.
The Reds will be looking to beat their rivals for the fourth time in 2018, having defeated them 4-3 at Anfield in the league, and in both legs of their Champions League quarter-final meeting in April.
Salah celebrating his goal at the Etihad in April
There won’t be too many bragging rights for the eventual winner, but a rivalry is definitely emerging between the two sides and both Klopp and Guardiola will want to take some momentum into the new campaign.
City are odds-on to seal a first back-to-back Premier League triumph in their history, but they will be well aware of the threat Liverpool pose.
Who’s Going To Win?
When you look at the players available to each manager, it is no surprise to see the Reds as favourites.
Guardiola’s men have also only played once this summer compared to Liverpool’s five games, meaning the Merseysiders are in a stronger physical state.
The adoring American crowd will hopefully be treated to a great occasion in New Jersey – it is a game that Liverpool should prevail in.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Man City
Daniel Sturridge to score and Liverpool to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 is 15/2 with RedsBet
