Manchester City vs. Liverpool | Match Preview | WSL Week 14
In this in-depth preview, we break down the key stats, tactical trends, and data-driven insights to reveal how Manchester City and Liverpool match up in this week's WSL showdown.
📅 Date: Sunday, 16 February 2025
⏰ Kick-off: 18:45 GMT
📍 Venue: Joie Stadium
🔍 Match Context & Overview
Manchester City (4th place, 25 points):
Currently 12 points behind league-leaders Chelsea, City’s realistic target now is securing a top-three spot for UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification. Their form has been mixed, but a home match against Liverpool is a prime chance to bank crucial points.Liverpool (7th place, 15 points):
Struggling for consistency, the Reds need a statement win to climb the table. With both teams having shown defensive vulnerabilities, this could be an open, high-scoring clash.
Key Stakes:
For Man City: Solidify a Champions League place by earning three points at home.
For Liverpool: Prove they can compete against higher-ranked sides and gain momentum to push into the top half.
📊 Current Form
Manchester City
Position: 4th (25 points from 13 matches)
Goals Scored : 30 | Goals Conceded : 18
Last 5 WSL Matches: 2 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses
Home Record: 5W, 0D, 2L (18 scored, 9 conceded)
Key Trend: Immensely potent attack offset by defensive lapses
Liverpool
Position: 7th (15 points from 13 matches)
Goals Scored : 13 | Goals Conceded : 20
Last 5 WSL Matches: 2 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses
Away Record: 2W, 1D, 3L (7 scored, 11 conceded)
Key Trend: Inconsistent performances, particularly at the back
🏆 Head-to-Head Record
Total Matches (recent history): Manchester City have won 9 out of the last 11 meetings, with Liverpool winning 2.
Average Goals per Match: 3.27
Notable Recent Scorelines:
October 2024: Liverpool 1-2 Man City (xG: 0.4 - 1.5)
March 2024: Liverpool 1-4 Man City (xG: 0.5 - 1.2)
January 2024: Man City 5-1 Liverpool (xG: 3.0 - 0.6)
Key Insight: City have consistently created better chances (strong xG numbers), but Liverpool have occasionally upset the odds when City’s finishing dips.
🌟 Key Players to Watch
Manchester City
Mary Fowler | The Breakout Star
4 goals in her last 2 appearances
Dynamic forward with exceptional finishing
Steps up in crucial moments, including the League Cup semi-final
Khadija "Bunny" Shaw | The Goal Machine
9 WSL goals this season, 1 assists
Powerful striker with elite hold-up play
City's focal point in attack, thrives on service
Kerolin Nicoli | The X-Factor
January signing, already making an impact
Versatile attacker who adds creativity and flair
Capable of unlocking defenses with dribbling and movement
Liverpool
Marie Höbinger | The Midfield Orchestrator
Scored crucial goals in the FA Cup run
Controls tempo and dictates play
Links midfield to attack with precise passing
Mia Enderby | The Young Starlet
Key goal in Liverpool’s recent FA Cup win
Quick, technical, and confident in 1v1 situations
Brings energy and directness to Liverpool’s frontline
Gemma Evans | The Defensive Leader
Key signing who has stabilized the defense
Strong in aerial duels and 1v1 battles
Provides composure and leadership at the back
📊 Key Statistical Matchups
Possession: Man City 68.0% | Liverpool 48.5%
Passing Accuracy: Man City 87.3% | Liverpool 75.1%
Expected Goals (xG): Man City 28.5 | Liverpool 13.3
Goals Scored per Match: Man City 2.31 | Liverpool 0.92
Goals Conceded per Match: Man City 1.38 | Liverpool 1.54
Shots on Target per Match: Man City 6.31 | Liverpool 4.08
📌 Key Insights:
Manchester City hold a clear advantage in possession, passing accuracy, and attacking metrics. Liverpool will need to be clinical with their limited chances while staying compact defensively to avoid being overwhelmed by City’s relentless attack.
📊 Tactical Breakdown
Manchester City’s Likely Approach
Formation: 4-3-3 with a fluid front line
Style: High-possession football, wide overloads, attacking fullbacks
Strengths:
Dominant in possession (well above 60% on average)
Superior passing accuracy (around 87%)
High shot volume and xG creation
Weaknesses:
Can concede dangerous counterattacks due to a high line
Defensive lapses and concentration issues
Liverpool’s Likely Approach
Formation: 4-2-3-1 with a compact shape
Style: Mid-to-low block, aiming to counter quickly in transition
Strengths:
Effective in rapid transitions and direct play
Physical presence on set pieces
Weaknesses:
Struggle to keep possession (under 50% on average)
Leaky defense (over 1.5 goals conceded per match)
🔮 Prediction:
Manchester City 3-1 Liverpool
Why?
City’s attacking numbers are significantly stronger than Liverpool’s, particularly at home.
Liverpool’s defensive issues are likely to be exposed by the movement and finishing of Shaw and Hemp.
City still need points to chase Champions League qualification, so expect a focused, high-intensity performance.
📢 Final Thoughts
With Chelsea pulling away at the top, Manchester City’s primary aim is securing a top-three spot—making every home game a near must-win scenario. Liverpool have weapons to trouble City in transition, but they’ll need near-flawless defending and clinical finishing to spring an upset. In all likelihood, City’s firepower, possession dominance, and proven track record in this fixture give them the upper hand.
Your Turn:
Do you see a potential upset?
Which player could be the X-factor?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more WSL previews!
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