Liverpool are set to visit the Etihad Stadium this weekend, as they aim to continue their bright start to the season. Both the teams are expecting to pose a strong challenge for the title, having been encouraged by their positive starts to the campaign.
Both the clubs also boast pretty strong line-ups this year, with Man City, in particular, investing a shed load of money on defenders this summer. Liverpool too have been strengthened by their attacking investments in Mohamed Salah. Here is the combined lineup of two Premier League hopefuls ahead of their clash on Saturday.
Alternatively, you can also read T4O’s preview for the highly anticipated encounter here.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Pep Guardiola went full broke with the 35m signing of Ederson this summer but after just three Premier League matches, it’s too early to judge the former Benfica shot-stopper. Therefore, Simon Mignolet holds the upper hand. The Belgian is the more experienced goalkeeper out of the two, and after being rested in the last game against Arsenal, he is expected to start for the Reds tomorrow.
Right Back: Manchester City newbie Kyle Walker easily walks past any of his Liverpool counterparts, especially with Nathaniel Clyne being ruled out of the game. Walker himself will get back into action after serving a ban.
Center Back(R): Vincent Kompany is highly doubtful for the clash which helps Liverpool’s Joel Matip clinch one of the centre back spot. John Stones, who is expected to replace the Belgian is not up to the mark as of yet.
Center Back(L): It will be a tough choice between Nicolas Otamendi and Dejan Lovren but Otamendi just edges past the Liverpool central defender.
The Argentinian has been a solid and ever-present figure during the pre-season campaign and in the early parts of the new season as well. He will have to lead his side’s defence as they look to put a stop to Liverpool’s attack.
Left Back: Man City’s Benjamin Mendy betters Alberto Moreno or Andrew Robertson by miles. Having all the qualities needed to thrive as a Premier League full-back, Mendy is already a fan favourite at the Etihad. His performance will surely be crucial this weekend.
Central Defensive Midfielder: We give it to Emre Can simply because of his dogged nature of play. The German International has been one of Premier League’s most improved players in the past 12 months or so. He will definitely be a key man for Liverpool in the middle.
Central Midfielder(R): Kevin de Bruyne would be anyone’s pick not just against Jordan Henderson but against most of the Premier League midfielders as well. The Belgian’s influence from the middle often sparks most of City’s attacking moments and the onus will be on Henderson to mark him as he tightly as he possibly can.
Central Midfielder(L): Another Man City midfielder clinches the 1v1 battle. This time, it’s David Silva, who is by far a more superior midfield role model than Gini Wijnaldum. Don’t let his new hairstyle fool you because Silva’s old magic still remains the same.
Right Wing: Manchester City are packed with attacking options in the final third, but only a few match the qualities of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian international outclasses new signing Bernardo Silva, who will be looking for his first goal or assist in English soil. Salah, on the other hand, has already got off the mark in superb fashion with two goals against Arsenal last matchday.
Left Wing: Sadio Mane also out does Leroy Sane on the left flank. The presence of Mane has served as a blessing for coach Jurgen Klopp. He was arguably the most valuable player when the Reds squashed aside German outfit TSG Hoffenheim in the UCL qualification playoffs. Mane’s influence in the Liverpool’s attack is simply undeniable.
Striker: Probably the hardest pick of all, we have to call it a tie between City’s Gabriel Jesus and Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino. On paper, Gabriel Jesus looks by far the better choice but Firmino’s fiery form is enough for us, not to pick the Man City forward ahead of the ex-Hoffenheim striker.
Here is how they can line up:
