Liverpool stayed top of the Premier League during the week as they brushed aside Bournemouth thanks to a 5-0 victory at Anfield, but one former Merseysider is expecting Manchester City to take advantage this weekend.
The Blues play first on Saturday and have the opportunity to move two points in front of Liverpool by defeating Bournemouth on the road.
Former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson is predicting City to do exactly that and has Pep Guardiola’s men down for a 3-0 away victory.
“Bournemouth will be hoping Raheem Sterling is not in Manchester City‘s team because he always seems to score against them – he has eight goals in six Premier League appearances against the Cherries,” Lawrenson said in his BBC predictions column .
“Whether Sterling plays or not, though, I only see one outcome here. I know Bournemouth have got a good home record but that just means they will attack City, and that will suit Pep Guardiola‘s side.”
This result will allow City to briefly jump above Liverpool ahead of the Reds’ Super Sunday clash at Everton. Liverpool could move back above City but Lawrenson does not believe that will happen.
“I just have a sense that things might not go to plan for Jurgen Klopp’s side,” Lawrenson added.
“It is a difficult game for Liverpool anyway because they are top of the league, going away to their local rivals, and they have got absolutely everything to lose.
“If Everton are gritty, and approach the game thinking they want to take a point at the very least, then I can see them getting some joy.”
Lawrenson has predicted a 1-1 draw in the Merseyside derby but that’s not a view shared by fellow pundits Paul Merson and Michael Owen.
Whilst the latter two both have City to win, they also have Jurgen Klopp’s men to succeed at Goodison Park.
It remains to be seen what unfolds in another important weekend for the Premier League title race, but one thing is for sure, City will continue to put the pressure on Liverpool.