By the Numbers: What to Expect in Liverpool vs Manchester City

The biggest match of the Premier League title race is upon us as Liverpool hosts Manchester City on Sunday. Let's take a look at the numbers to determine how many goals to expect from this clash of titans.

Liverpool and Manchester City have an astounding amount of similarity in their stats related to scoring and goals allowed. Liverpool has scored 64 goals while City has scored 62, and the Reds have conceded 25 with City conceding 27.

The similarities continue with their median number of goals: Liverpool and City both have a median of 2 goals scored per game and a median of 1 goal allowed per game.

If we break it down even further to compare their stats in matches against the Premier League's top 3 clubs (Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal), we see that Liverpool and City both have not scored more than 1 goal per match against the top 3. In fact, Liverpool and City both have scored more than 1 goal in only 1 of their 5 matches against the Premier League's current top 5 teams.

Could this be an example of opponents playing more conservatively when the Reds and Citizens come to town? Sure, it's possible. However, the numbers are the numbers.

Despite these oddly low numbers, the fact remains that Liverpool and City both have plenty of attacking players that create opportunities and get shots on goal. Only once in their last 10 meetings has a side not scored a goal.

However, both teams also have phenomenal defenders and world-class goalies, so I would look for a 1-0 or 2-0 scoreline with the Reds pulling out the victory in a thriller.

The score may be up for debate, but it's certain that this match is massive for both teams as they continue their quests to hoist the Premier League trophy.