Our prediction for this EFL Cup match:
Man City
Match Time & Date:
22/12/2022
21:00
Prediction: 2-2
Liverpool
All eyes will be on Etihad Stadium when Manchester City and Liverpool face each other in the EFL Cup last 16. The Citizens suffered a shocking 2-1 loss to Brentford before the World Cup break, and, no doubt, they want to get back on course as soon as possible. This match comes too early for Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, who played in the World Cup final against France, but Pep Guardiola has no injury worries ahead of Thursday’s showdown.
Kevin De Bruyne is back from international duty, as well as Rodri, Laporte and Gundogan. Erling Haaland is widely expected to lead the line for the hosts. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp’s troops aim to build on a thrilling 4-1 win over Milan in their last warm-up game. Since the Reds are likely to adopt yet another attack-minded approach against Man City, we are tempted to put our money on over 2.5 goals. Both Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are sidelined with injuries for the visiting side.
Highlighted Player (Ilkay Gundogan):
Ilkay Gundogan is a German footballer of Turkish origin who made a name for himself playing for Borussia Dortmund. The skilful midfielder began his professional career at VFL Bochum, but it was at Nurnberg that he was given the opportunity to prove his undoubted potential. He needed just two years to make Germany’s top clubs stand up and take notice and the Millionaires secured his signature for mere €4 million.
That would prove to be a great investment as Gundogan quickly slotted straight into the starting line-up and became a playmaker in the side led by Jurgen Klopp and later Thomas Tuchel. The midfield maestro kept being linked with clubs like Manchester United, Barcelona and Arsenal, but he resisted temptation to leave Borussia Dortmund, winning one Bundesliga trophy with the club and making it to the Champions League final.
Gundogan unfortunately missed the 2014 World Cup finals through injury, but there is still time for the BVB star to make things right and lift a major international trophy with Germany.
Highlighted Team (Liverpool):
Founded back in 1892, Liverpool are one of England’s and world’s most famous clubs. The Reds hold a high-profile rivalry with Everton and there have always been fireworks when the two teams take on each other in the Merseyside derby.
The Reds welcome their opponents at Anfield and it has to be noted that they have already won 18 first division trophies. Liverpool were on the verge of lifting the 2014/2015 Premier League trophy, but Steven Gerrard slipped in the decider against Chelsea and left the Reds without a title.
Liverpool won one of their last Champions League trophy's in 2005, with the team coming from three goals behind to beat Milan in a historic clash in Istanbul. The Reds have clinched six European Cups and it is no surprise they are regarded as one of the greatest European clubs.
The likes of Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler, Paul Ince, Ian Rush, Graeme Souness, Sami Hyypia and Luis Suarez are some of the most notable footballers to have represented the club over the years. The club’s anthem is You’ll Never Walk Alone and their shirt colour is red.
Brighton
Southampton
Barcelona
Las Palmas 
Crystal Palace
Newcastle 
Borussia Dortmund 
Bayern Munich 
West Ham
Arsenal
Chelsea 
Aston Villa 
