Liverpool will host Manchester City this Sunday in what will be the biggest game of not only this weekend but also the season as the two teams have set the pace so far. Manchester City ran away with the league last season, but it was Liverpool who handed them their first defeat of the season.
Jürgen Klopp’s side also knocked City out of the Champions League and start as the favourites considering how recent encounters between the two teams have panned out at Anfield.
Then two teams had quite contrasting results this past midweek, however. City overcame a tough challenge from Bundesliga outfit TSG Hoffenheim and picked up their first win of the Champions League while Liverpool were beaten by Napoli away from home.
Liverpool’s tough run of fixtures has tested their resolve, and although the performances could have been better, the fans and the manager won’t be too disappointed as they are still level on points with Man City.
The two sides faced off four times last season, and Liverpool won three of those games, so they will be in confident mood ahead of the tie.
Liverpool vs Manchester City – Team News
Naby Keita had to be take off during Liverpool’s clash with Napoli due to a back issue. The former Leipzig man hasn’t been ruled out and there is a chance he could feature. Divock Origi and Adam Lallana are unavailable.
City were handed a boost as both Benjamin Mendy and Kevin De Bruyne trained with the squad. It is likely that the former will start as Fabian Delph will not be available for selection. German midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan, is also a doubt.
Liverpool vs Manchester City – Predicted Lineups
Liverpool just couldn’t hit second gear against Napoli and were on the back foot for most of the game. City will have noticed that. The midfield battle will be key once again, and unlike last time, Liverpool will not have the pace and drive of Oxlade-Chamberlain to trouble City, which is why Keita becomes all the more critical against Man City.
City have looked good in recent games even though they have been pushed by a few sides. Hoffenheim did well to set themselves up to trouble Guardiola’s men on the break, but the City defence held its own most of the time. If Gundogan fails to make it in time, we could see Bernardo Silva playing in a five-man midfield, with Fernandinho playing as the deepest midfielder.
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Robertson, van Dijk, Gomez, TAA, Henderson, Milner, Wijnaldum, Mane, Firmino, Salah
Man City Predicted XI: Ederson, Laporte, Kompany, Stones, Mendy, Silva, Fernandinho, Silva, Walker, Aguero, Jesus
Liverpool vs Manchester City – Odds
Liverpool: 6/4
Draw: 5/2
Man City: 9/5