While no game at the start of December can truly be classed as season-defining Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield later today could have massive ramifications. A Manchester City win could spark Pep Guardiola’s side back to life after their six-game winless run. But if they are beaten by Liverpool at Anfield they could fall 11 points behind Arne Slot’s team. Although today’s game has come early in the season it is shaping up as a huge match in Manchester City’s season.
For Pep Guardiola’s side, they must snap out of their recent slide if they are to get anything out of today’s match. That will be no easy task based on Liverpool’s recent form and strong start to the season. But that’s the challenge that lies ahead of Manchester City as they look to end their six-game winless run. Here is the latest City injury news and my predicted City starting eleven ahead of today’s massive fixture.
Latest Manchester City injury news
Heading into today’s game three players will miss today’s match. Rodri, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic are all out due to injury. There are also question marks over the availability of John Stones. The England international hasn’t been pictured training so far this week so that does give the impression that he could miss today’s match.
There has been positive news on the injury front for Manchester City this week. In images shared on mancity.com Jeremy Doku and Ruben Dias were both pictured training ahead of today’s match. That does give the impression that the pair could feature in today’s match. That is a massive boost for Pep Guardiola’s side. The potential inclusion of Ruben Dias in the City lineup would be huge for the world champions. He is their defensive leader and his presence has been missed during Manchester City’s winless run.
Predicted City starting eleven
Ederson- The Brazilian international had a poor game against Feyenoord on Tuesday evening. But I’m expecting him to start and he will be eager to put in a good performance at Anfield today.
Kyle Walker- I do believe there is a case for Manuel Akanji to start at right-back and I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. But I’m expecting Walker to play and start today.
Ruben Dias- All signs this week have pointed to the return of Dias to the starting lineup. He has trained all week and, based on his interview in the City Magazine, seems ready to start. If Dias does start that would be massive for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Nathan Ake- I thought Ake played well against Feyenoord before he was substituted. He should start today, but the question does appear to be, will it be at left-back or centre-back?
Josko Gvardiol- The Croatian international enters today’s match off the back of two poor performances. But he will be eager to put his best foot forward today. The question for me isn’t whether he will start. It is, will he line up at left-back or alongside Ruben Dias?
Ilkay Gundogan- Gundogan was another who played well against Feyenoord before he was substituted. He looks to be a certain starter today given City’s lack of midfield options.
Matheus Nunes- The Portuguese international has to start alongside Gundogan today in my opinion. Manchester City need his pace and attributes in midfield. I’m expecting Nunes to start today.
Kevin De Bruyne- Today’s match looks to be the ideal setting for De Bruyne to return to the starting lineup. He is Manchester City’s man for the big occasion, and they don’t get much bigger than today’s game.
Phil Foden- Manchester City need a lift from Foden. He usually plays well against Liverpool. Could we finally see Foden come to life when his team needs him the most at Anfield?
Savinho- I’m expecting the Brazilian international to start today. His pace, dribbling and technical ability could help break down Liverpool’s defence.
Erling Haaland- Haaland is an automatic selection. The stage is set for him to have a massive impact and if he does he could decide today’s match.
