Manchester City vs. Liverpool Predictions: A 15/2 Bet Builder for Wembley FA semi final clash

After both sides qualified for the Uefa Champions League semi-final in midweek, they now battle it out for the second time in six days in the semi-final of the FA Cup. A thrilling 2-2 draw in the Premier League last weekend was a joy to watch with arguably the two best teams in world football locking horns. A final against either Chelsea or Crystal Palace awaits the winner of this match-up, with both teams eager for more silverware. 

It was a well fought battle at the Wanda Metrapolitano where City held firm to go through 1-0 on aggregate against Diego Simeones Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday. Bad news for Guardiola however as he lost both Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne due to injury who both remain huge doubts for this clash with Liverpool. Sterling looks likely to return to the starting XI and potentially in the centre forward role. Walker missing out could potentially see Cancelo fill back in at right back with either Ake or Zinchenko slotting in at left back.

With a 3-1 lead heading into the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Benfica, Klopp took a risk in resting some key Liverpool players in preparation for this FA Cup semi-final clash. Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson all played no part on Wednesday, with Fabinho, Thiago, Salah and Mane only playing the last thirty minutes. Diogo Jota looks to be the only doubt for Klopp on Saturday, giving him almost a full squad to choose from.

Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Cancelo, Stones, Laporte, Ake; Silva, Rodri, Gundogan; Jesus, Sterling, Grealish

Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz

My main selection for the big game is Trent Alexander-Arnold to have two or more tackles at a very juicy 11/8. His tackle numbers are relatively low overall but have gained some traction of late. His last five matches against Man City, Benfica, Arsenal, Brighton and Inter Milan have seen him clear this line in four of the five with three tackles against Man City just on Sunday.

When playing Manchester City his numbers do tend to increase as Liverpool are forced to defend more than normal. His last four matches against their title rivals have seen him register three, five, two and five tackles, a significant increase on his average.

An outrageously high defensive line for Liverpool causes their opposition to record a huge amount of offsides. Over 2.5 offsides has landed against Liverpool in 14 of their last 15 matches, with Man City registering five on Sunday and Benfica five on Wednesday.

With Sterling set to lead the line, I have included him for a shot. He has registered a shot in all of his last five starts against Liverpool, including in the 2-2 draw on Sunday, with a shot in 17 of his 19 Premier League starts this season. And let's not forget Trent tackles. I have included the higher line of 2.5 which also looks a huge price by itself at 7/2. Clearing this line in three of his last four against City, he will have a busy afternoon and lots of opportunity to rack them up.

@DeanWoodward93 BettingOdds 2022 Profit/Loss +10.37 units.