Plenty more EPL matches to look forward to this weekend, and none more so than the mammoth top-of-the-table clash between the Reds and the Sky Blues.
This game is perhaps the most keenly anticipated clash in the Klopp vs Guardiola managerial history, and its sure to go a long way towards deciding who will be top at Christmas.
Earlier, Chelsea journey down to the south coast to take on the Saints in an interesting betting game.
And don't dismiss the battle of the north between Burnley and Huddersfield, which is sure to be one of the contests of the round.
Burnley v Huddersfield Town
Despite lacking the glamour of other fixtures taking place this match-week, this encounter holds plenty of interest for the two relegation battlers who are practically neighbours.
Due to the close proximity between the clubs, this clash will feel like a derby, with a physical and hard-fought game expected.
While Burnley have eased their fans' relegation concerns with back-to-back wins, the Terriers are languishing in last place, having only picked up two points from their first seven matches.
If David Wagner can't find a remedy to turn his side's fortunes around, the West Yorkshire team are in for a very long season.
There were promising signs in last week's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham. Big Belgian striker Laurent Depoitre looked a constant threat, while ex-Spurs academy player Alex Pritchard threatened against his former club.
But the undoubted class in the Terriers team is Aaron Mooy. The Soccerroo has the passing ability to unlock any defence.
With more of the ball against a Burnley side who aren't known for their high-possession style of play, Mooy may be the man who can orchestrate Huddersfield's first win of the season.
The first step will be shoring up their defence, which can look very ordinary at times.
The Clarets meanwhile will be looking to capitalise on their solid record at Turf Moor and pick up their third straight win.
While they are yet to display the near-impenetrable defence that saw them finish 7th last season, the Lancashire side are having no trouble finding the back of the net.
Iceland international Johann Gudmundsson is at the heart of everything positive going forward, with an all-round game that adds so much to Burnley's side.
The Clarets also boast a trio of tried and tested strikers in Chris Wood, Sam Vokes and Ashley Barnes, who can all be lethal on their day.
While Burnley have the home ground advantage and form, the Terriers are more desperate for a win and will ensure this is a competitive and hard-fought contest.
Key EPL Stat
The last two meetings between these sides have resulted in 0-0 draws: Match to end in a 0-0 draw @ $6.50
EPL Tip: Match to end in a draw @ $3.00
Reasoning: As recent history between these sides has demonstrated, both appear to be evenly matched.
Southampton v Chelsea
Southampton are another team that needs to turn around their recent form or risk dropping down to the Championship for next season.
Their task isn't made easy by coming up against an in-form Chelsea side here.
The Blues are emerging as a genuine title contender, especially after their impressive performance at home last week against Liverpool.
Despite copping an 89th-minute screamer from former player Daniel Sturridge, Maurizio Sarri's side look to have turned Stamford Bridge into a fortress once again.
Eden Hazard has reclaimed the title of best player in the Premier League after a series of superb performances.
With new recruits Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic fitting seamlessly into the midfield of their new club, the Blues look to have too much class in this clash.
Southampton will be relieved this is a home game for them. Perhaps a big fixture at St Mary's is what they've been waiting for to show what they are capable of this season.
A football team with an uncanny knack of developing young talent that quickly gets snapped up by rival clubs (particularly Liverpool), the Saints will want to shed their tag as a feeder club.
However, they now have plenty of experience in their side to turn to for a big performance here.
Danny Ings, Charlie Austin and Ryan Bertrand all have the ability to find their way into the England squad.
But it's Nathan Redmond and Mario Lemina who shape up as the biggest threats to Chelsea in this game.
Redmond has always had bags of talent and is capable of exploding on his day.
Lemina meanwhile has failed to hit the heights expected of him since arriving from Juventus last year. He will want to show what he is capable of in this tough fixture.
Key EPL Stat
Southampton haven't lost by a margin of 2+ goals in their last 7 home matches.
EPL Tip: Southampton with a +1 goal handicap @ $1.80
Reasoning: As good as Chelsea have been in season 2018/9, the Saints historically fare well at home and are due for a big game in front of their home fans.
Liverpool v Manchester City
If last week's Chelsea versus Liverpool clash was the biggest game of the season, this game is the biggest of the year.
Both teams are neck-and-neck at the summit of the table, with only City's superior goal difference giving them the edge.
But the reason this game is so huge is that it will go a long way to determining who will lift the EPL Trophy come May.
This is because both sides look like they could go through the EPL season without losing a single match.
However, there is a whiff around that Liverpool are beginning to dip after their imperious early season form.
After getting out of jail thanks to Daniel Sturridge's wonder goal a week ago, Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the campaign midweek in the Champions League, going down to Napoli in Naples.
The Citizens also struggled in their Champions League match, making hard work of the three points they picked up away to Hoffenheim.
Both of these results suggest that the club has had one eye looking forward to this fixture.
With the sheer amount of attacking talent set to grace the turf of Anfield, one thing that can be relied upon is that there will be goals aplenty.
Egyptian superstar Mo Salah looms as the key man in this match. He created chance after chance for himself at Stamford Bridge in Round 7, with only his final product letting him down.
If Salah can take his chances on Sunday, it will go a long way towards securing the three points for the home team.
However, with so many attacking players to turn to, even in the continued absence of Kevin De Bruyne, Pep Guardiola probably has more firepower at his disposal.
He will be looking to these players to make a mockery of Liverpool's and Jurgen Klopp's defence, and get a crucial victory over a manager he has struggled against in the past.
Key EPL Stat
Liverpool have won their previous 6 games against Man City at Anfield: Liverpool to win head-to-head @ $2.50
EPL Tip: Total goals to be over 3.5 @ $2.60
Reasoning: Despite Liverpool having dominated the Citizens at Anfield in recent times, this looks the safer bet.
There is too much attacking quality on the park not to have a feast of goals.
Oct 04, 2018 07:01 PM
AAP
EPL Tip: Match to end in a draw @ $3.00
