Manchester City will host Premier League leaders and reigning champions Liverpool at the Etihad on Sunday in what will be the highlight fixture of Matchweek eight, and we could be in for a thrilling game.
It has been a strange season for both teams who were so far ahead of the rest of the sides in the English top-flight last season. Although both sides have managed to wrestle some momentum in recent weeks, the signs are that the upcoming months will be a grind.
Liverpool’s run of five successive wins does come as a surprise as they have had numerous injuries in key areas of the pitch, but they have coped well and the young players have shone much to Jürgen Klopp’s delight.
Like Liverpool, Manchester City too had a few injuries to deal with, and after a tough start, they are starting to hit the right notes. Although they are 10th in the Premier League table, they have a game in hand and will climb up to fourth if they can win that.
Klopp’s side don’t have a particularly good record against Manchester City at the Etihad in recent years as they have lost three of their last five league games there, and have scored just thrice in those five games. Their latest defeat, just days after wrapping up the title in July, will still rankle a bit, and they will look to avenge that come Sunday.
Manchester City vs Liverpool – Team News and Probable Lineups
Manchester City will have the services of Gabriel Jesus against Liverpool, as the Brazilian came off the bench to score against Olympiacos on Tuesday. Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias were rested in the mid-week game, and they will be fresh for the clash against Liverpool.
Gabriel Jesus is back and firing
It remains to be seen if Sergio Aguero will return in time for the clash, but even if he is passed fit, it’s unlikely he will start as he is not up to speed yet. Fernandinho and Benjamin Mendy are still out injured. Joao Cancelo has stepped in to impress at left-back, and he should continue in that role against the Reds.
Another player who has impressed this season is Ferran Torres. The Spaniard has hit the ground running, and will push for a start come Sunday
Probable Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Gundogan, Rodri, De Bruyne; Sterling, Jesus, Torres
Liverpool have dug deep in recent weeks after Virgil van Dijk’s injury as the likes of Fabinho, Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips have deputised well in that role. Joel Matip’s return to fitness is a massive boost for the Reds, and he is expected to start alongside Joe Gomez at the back.
Matip’s return from an injury will be a big boost for Liverpool (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Williams is also an option after impressing against Atalanta on Tuesday. The 19-year old is comfortable with the ball at his feet, and did well to negate everything that was thrown at him by Atalanta.
Naby Keita’s return will be a massive boost, but it’s unlikely he will start. Diogo Jota’s incredible form means he is expected to start against City, but it remains to be seen how Klopp will approach the situation and set up his attack. We expect the German to use Roberto Firmino in the number 10 role, and Jota upfront.
Probable Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Matip, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum; Firmino, Mane, Salah, Jota
Manchester City vs Liverpool – Where to Watch?
UK: BBC Radio Manchester, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League.
India: Hotstar, Star Sports Select 2, Star Sports Select HD2