Manchester City vs. Liverpool prediction, odds, line: Expert 2022-23 EFL Cup picks, best bets for Dec. 22

Reigning tournament champions Liverpool face a tough task on Thursday when they take on Manchester City in a fourth-round 2022-23 English League Cup match at Etihad Stadium. The Reds beat Chelsea on penalties in the EFL Cup final back in February, but they also needed a shootout to get past Derby County in this year’s third-round meeting Nov. 9. Man City defeated Chelsea in their match that same day, and they’re looking to advance after bowing out in the fourth round to West Ham last year. Liverpool have won a record nine EFL Cup titles, while Man City have won eight. The Citizens won the Premier League title last season and are second in the 2022-23 table, five points behind Arsenal. The Reds were the 2021-22 EPL runners-up but are sixth in the EPL standings, 15 points behind the Gunners.

Kickoff in Manchester, England is set for 3 p.m. ET. Caesars Sportsbook lists Manchester City as -150 favorites (risk $150 to win $100) in the latest Manchester City vs. Liverpool odds. Liverpool are +330 underdogs, a draw is +310 and the over/under for total goals is set at 3.5. Before locking in any Liverpool vs. Manchester City picks or EFL Cup bets, make sure you check out the English League Cup predictions and best bets from proven SportsLine soccer insider Martin Green. 

After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Since then, his European soccer picks have been spot-on. Green has generated almost $33,000 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season. 

Green crushed his World Cup picks on the Early Edge, backing the USMNT to advance (+100), Kylian Mbappe to win the Golden Boot (+900) and Netherlands, England and Argentina all to win their groups (+210) among his correct picks.

Now, Green has broken down the Man City vs. Liverpool matchup from every angle and just locked in his picks and EFL Cup predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for Liverpool vs. Man City:

• Man City vs. Liverpool spread: Man City -0.5 (-140)
• Man City vs. Liverpool over/under: 3.5 goals 
• Man City vs. Liverpool money line: Man City -150, Liverpool +330, Draw +310
• MC: They have outscored opponents 17-6 in their past 10 in all competitions 
• LVP: They have a 20-6 goal advantage over their past 10 competitive matches 
• Man City vs. Liverpool picks: See picks here

Why You Should Back Manchester City

The Citizens will be missing some firepower with several key players working their way back from the World Cup. Julian Alvarez won a title with Argentina and Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, among others, made the semifinals with England. But City should have two of their best players, and Erling Haaland will be itching to put on a show after his native Norway missed the World Cup. Star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne also should be ready to roll after bowing out early with Belgium. Haaland has 18 goals in EPL play this season, six more than any other player.

De Bruyne leads the EPL with nine assists, and Ilkay Gundogan started alongside them in a friendly match with Girona last weekend. De Bruyne and Haaland both scored in the 2-0 victory. Gundogan has two goals after scoring 21 the previous two seasons. Riyad Mahrez, who has scored 31 over the past three, should start alongside Haaland and 18-year-old Carlos Borges. The City academy product has four goals and five assists in 10 matches with City’s U21 team. Man City are 11-0-2 overall at home this season, and Liverpool are 3-2-4 in away games.

Why You Should Back Liverpool 

The Reds are unbeaten in their past five meetings with City, winning the past three. In addition to the 1-0 EPL victory in October, Liverpool took a 3-2 FA Cup victory in April and a 3-1 Community Shield win just before the EPL season. The Reds are on a four-game unbeaten run, with a 0-0 draw with Derby City the only blemish. They outscored the other three opponents 7-2. Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino should both be available, and Salah has 14 goals and five assists in 21 matches in all competitions, and Firmino has scored nine goals and set up four.

Liverpool still fires a ton of shots, with four fewer than City’s league-leading total of 244 and leading the EPL with 87 on target. Salah is tied for third in the league with 50 shots, and he and Firmino are part of a three-way tie for third with 20 on net. The Reds will be a little thin in the back, but Joel Matip is expected to be available in the middle. Goalkeeper Alisson, key fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold and midfielder Jordan Henderson all worked out this week and could play some role. City are missing far more players overall from their first-choice 11 and reserves.      

How to make EFL Cup and Man City vs. Liverpool  picks

Green has scrutinized the Man City vs. Liverpool EFL Cup match from every angle. He is leaning Over the goal total and also provides his three confident best bets. They include one that would pay at more than 2-1. He’s only sharing his EFL Cup picks and analysis at SportsLine.

So, who wins Liverpool vs. Manchester City in Thursday’s League Cup match? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for the Man City vs. Liverpool  match, all from the European soccer expert who has generated almost $33,000 for $100 bettors over the past four seasons, and find out.