Little to separate these two top-flight titans going into latest humdinger

There has been little to separate Liverpool and Manchester City in the early going of this Premier League season, and indeed the same could be said of the last three campaigns. From the beginning of the 2018-19 season to the present day, Liverpool have accumulated 279 points in the league and Manchester City have notched up 278.

Despite their wobble last year, the Reds have been the only side to consistently challenge the Citizens in recent times and appear to have shaken off the malaise that scuppered them last season.

The two heavy hitters of recent years face off once more at Anfield on Sunday and on the underlying data they have already put some distance between themselves and their nearest rivals.

According to fbref.com, Manchester City have an expected goals difference of +10.9, while Liverpool’s is +10.0. Their nearest pursuers are Everton with +3.7.

Despite their success in that department, both sides have achieved their numbers in different ways.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been in flying form going forward, registering 140 shots in just six games and creating 16.9 xG.

However, their stats may well have been aided by a relatively easy beginning to the season. Their opponents have had an average projected league position of 13.7, the second-lowest of any team’s early fixtures.

The Reds’ attacking displays have not been limited to the league though, they have also scored 11 goals in three cup games so far this campaign.

On the other hand, Manchester City have been the stingiest defensive side in the league on expected goals, with a tally of just 3.0 xG conceded, some 3.4 clear of Brentford in second.

Pep Guardiola’s men have allowed their opponents just 36 shots and a remarkable five on target in their six games so far, two of which came in their opening day defeat to Tottenham.

The age-old question of what happens when an irresistible force comes into contact with an immovable object has intrigued scientists and philosophers for centuries and fans of the Premier League may find out the answer this weekend.

After their dominant 1-0 win over Chelsea last weekend, a positive result for Guardiola’s side from Anfield would certainly ease the pain of their midweek Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

For Klopp, a win would confirm what Guardiola and others may have feared - Liverpool and their relentless attack are back.

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