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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Hannah Pinnock

Michael Owen and Paul Merson make same Liverpool point ahead of Man City FA Cup clash

Liverpool take on Manchester City once again this Saturday, but this time they're in FA Cup action with a place in the final at stake. Jurgen Klopp's side will hope to reach their second domestic cup final of the campaign with a win this weekend.

The two sides met last Sunday in a crunch Premier League clash at the Etihad, but they couldn't be separated as it ended in a 2-2 draw. Twice Liverpool fought back after going a goal behind to ensure they left Manchester with at least a point in the bag.

Both sides were in Champions League action midweek, but pundits anticipate Liverpool's slightly less intense win over Benfica could hand them an advantage this Saturday.

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Paul Merson, SportsKeeda (Manchester City 1-2 Liverpool)

Former Arsenal man and pundit Paul Merson believes City's 'hard' game against Atletico Madrid this week could play in Liverpool's favour. While the Reds faced a home tie at Anfield, Pep Guardiola's side had to travel to Madrid for their game.

He told SportsKeeda: "I got last week's Premier League prediction right! Manchester City have played out a 2-2 draw with Liverpool this month and I reckon Liverpool have a slight advantage in this game.

"City had a real hard game against Atletico Madrid, to be fair. They've had to travel this week, and it was a very physical game as well. Liverpool rested Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Fabinho in the Champions League and are almost certain to score goals this weekend."

Michael Owen, BetVictor (Manchester City 1-2 Liverpool)

Ex-Red Michael Owen expects a similar outcome, with Liverpool to edge it on the day. He also cited the Champions League games as a reason, as Jurgen Klopp was able to rest a handful of players against Benfica.

He told BetVictor: "I can’t wait for this. The game last week was brilliant, and this should be more of the same. Man City are entering this on the back of that dramatic match in Madrid.

"As for Liverpool, it was an entertaining game against Benfica, but in the end it was straightforward. Klopp even had the luxury of resting a few players. Given how many important games are coming up, that’s a huge bonus.

"The fact City had such an intense game on Wednesday is bound to play a factor here. They picked up a few knocks in the game as well, I’m putting Liverpool as slight favourites. 2-1 Liverpool."

Mark Lawrenson, BBC (Manchester City 1-2 Liverpool)

Another Former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson predicts the exact same scoreline, with the Merseyside club to run out 2-1 winners. He says Guardiola could make changes to the team that drew 2-2 last weekend.

He told the BBC: "I make Liverpool slight favourites here, because they are fresher.

"City had to travel to Spain in midweek, they had a gruelling game against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and picked up a couple of injuries while, on the same night, Jurgen Klopp could leave out a lot of his big-hitters against Benfica.

"Because of that, I'm expecting City to make some changes from what is, arguably, their best team but Liverpool to be a strong as they can be - and that swings the tie for me."

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