Manchester City will resume their Premier League duties after the international break on Saturday with a top of the table clash against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
The two top teams in the Premier League face off at the Etihad Stadium in Saturday’s early kick-off. The Sky Blues went into the international break off the back of a thrilling 4-4 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Despite dropping points in west London, they have stayed at the summit.
Pep Guardiola’s side go into the blockbuster match-up a point ahead of the Reds, who enjoyed a comprehensive 3-0 win over Brentford at Anfield before the break.
Manchester City Team News
Pep Guardiola could have a threadbare squad to work with on Saturday after several injury issues. Before a ball was even kicked during the November international break, Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Ederson were forced to withdraw from their respective national teams.
Manchester City suffered another blow after seeing Erling Haaland go down holding his ankle during Norway’s win over the Faroe Islands, although the injury is not considered serious and he should return against Liverpool.
John Stones was not involved with England during the international break after picking up a muscle injury earlier this month, while Ederson didn’t feature for Brazil after suffering an impact injury against Chelsea.
Predicted Man City lineup vs Liverpool (3-2-4-1)
Goalkeeper
Ederson withdrew from international duty with Brazil after picking up a foot problem against Chelsea. However, he is expected to be fit to face Liverpool on Saturday.
Defence
Just like in the draw away to Chelsea, Pep Guardiola could opt to line up in a 3-2-4-1 formation. With Nathan Ake potentially out, Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol could make the back three against Liverpool.
Man City’s defensive trio have to be compact and disciplined to keep a free-flowing Liverpool attack quiet on Saturday.
Midfield
With Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic major doubts, Manuel Akanji could once again operate as a defensive midfielder alongside Rodri in the Man City lineup. The duo will be tasked with protecting the backline as well as setting the tempo of the game.
Ahead of Akanji and Rodri, Julian Alvarez and Bernardo Silva will operate as the advanced No.10s in the Man City lineup, and their trickery, imagination and movement could cause problems for Liverpool’s defence.
Attack
Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku could then be deployed on the wings. Foden will look to get into half spaces and make life difficult for Liverpool’s left-hand side of defence, while Doku could use his blistering pace and directness to exploit the spaces left by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Erling Haaland is expected to recover from a minor ankle injury and lead the Man City lineup in attack. The Norwegian will be hungry to add to his season’s tally on Saturday and help the hosts get all three points against Liverpool.