Liverpool will make their way to the Etihad Stadium looking to extend their terrific record against Manchester City and also against the top sides in general in this season’s Premier League. The Reds have looked a completely different side when they face the big guns and with the recent history of them dominating the Sky Blues even after the massive turnaround of fortunes of the Blue half of Manchester, Klopp and his men will be favourites leading up to the game. It is slightly strange and Pep Guardiola and City would desperately want to change all that, especially to get rid of the hurt and embarrassment of the exit at the hands of Monaco.
While two teams in such a scenario might look to employ a ‘not-lose’ policy with Chelsea well on their way to the title, City and Liverpool might play to their strengths which is attack and with the wonderful set of gifted attackers on both sides, it promises to be an end to end thriller if they let go of the brakes.
TEAM NEWS & PREDICTED LINE-UPS
MANCHESTER CITY
Fitness wise, City have two long-term absentees in the form of Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus. Other than that, Pep has a fully fit team to choose from.
Tactically speaking, he is likely to hand recalls to Yaya Toure and Otamendi after the duo missed the match against Monaco.
CABALLERO; SAGNA, STONES, OTAMENDI, CLICHY; FERNANDINHO; TOURE, SILVA, DE BRUYNE, STERLING; SANE
LIVERPOOL
Dejan Lovren is apparently fit after having turned out for the U-23s and is in line to earn a recall.
Divock Origi has succumbed to illness and also has a slight knock while Firmino is likely to be declared fit in time for the game.
Jordan Henderson will be missed in midfield while Daniel Sturridge will once again be missed sorely on the bench.
MIGNOLET; CLYNE, LOVREN, MATIP, MILNER; LALLANA, CAN, WIJNALDUM; FIRMINO, COUTINHO, MANE
KEY PLAYERS
MANCHESTER CITY
LEROY SANE
The German youngster has settled into his new surroundings after a lull at the start and is terrorising fullbacks at will now. He offers blazing pace, trickery and a fearless attitude which has come as a breath of fresh air to the lumbering City side. He will be given special attention by the Liverpool players.
LIVERPOOL
SADIO MANE
Coutinho and Firmino have traditionally played well against Manchester City and are expected to be at their nimble best again. But Mane’s pace and directness will surely have the jittery City defence scampering and they will play a high-line at their own peril.
ODDS
MANCHESTER CITY- 1/1
DRAW- 11/4
LIVERPOOL- 14/5
