Coming up later today is the massive Premier League clash between Manchester City and Liverpool. Today’s match at Anfield will be the final meeting between Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League. Given what’s potentially at stake it promises to be another classic encounter. With Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Brentford yesterday the winner of today’s game will go top of the Premier League. The stakes are high for what potentially could be one of the games of the season later today.
Manchester City team news
The world champions come into the game with three players under injury clouds.
Jack Grealish will miss today’s game due to a groin injury. The winger limped off during City’s 6-2 FA Cup win over Luton Town and won’t feature today. Jack Gaughan reported for the Daily Mail that City will take a cautious approach with the England international’s return from the injury.
Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes are the other two players in doubt for today’s game. Doku missed City’s 3-1 win over FC Copenhagen due to ‘niggles’. Pep Guardiola took a cautious approach with their speedy winger and he is in doubt for today’s game.
Matheus Nunes suffered a dislocated finger during City’s midweek win. The Portuguese midfielder was substituted late in the second half at the Etihad but is likely to be fit for today’s massive match.
More information should become available when Pep Guardiola fronts the media before kick-off at Anfield.
Predicted City starting lineup
Ederson: An obvious selection in goal. He wasn’t at his best against FC Copenhagen but will need to be today at Anfield.
Kyle Walker: Given the threat of Liverpool on the counter City’s captain should start today. His pace may be crucial in nullifying the threat of Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Ruben Dias: Today’s game should see the renewal of Dias and Stones partnership in defence. Dias will have a pivotal role to play today.
John Stones: The England international is a vital cog of the City machine. He has been in sparkling form of late and will be hoping to continue that at Anfield.
Nathan Ake: One of the unsung heroes of the Manchester City squad. Should start at left-back and will never let the team down in whatever role he plays.
Rodri: An obvious selection. Rodri will have a huge role to play and if he can set the tempo for City in midfield it may go a long way in deciding the outcome.
Bernardo Silva: He tends to save some of his best performances for Liverpool. Will be counted on today to help out all over the pitch. Has a massive role to play at Anfield.
Phil Foden: City’s most in-form player was rested in midweek. Fresh off his derby heroics he could be a match-winner if he can continue his amazing form.
Kevin De Bruyne: These are the games that the world champions are grateful to have De Bruyne in the squad for. He wasn’t at his best last weekend against United but will have a key role to play today.
Julian Alvarez: It is a toss of the coin between Alvarez and Kovacic to start today’s game. I believe Alvarez will get the nod and start on the left wing to get at Liverpool’s undermanned defence.
Erling Haaland: City’s number 9 heads to Anfield having scored 7 goals in his past three games. His battle with Virgil Van Dijk could be a decisive factor in today’s outcome.
