The Premier League may be lost, but Pep Guardiola would still have his reputation to play for when Liverpool come to the Etihad this Thursday. It would be a massive statement for the Spanish manager to grab all the three points against his rivals and get the upper-hand going into the new season. City gave a steady performance against Newcastle this weekend in their FA Cup clash, although the same could not be called too flashy. The team must be a bit tired after the back to back fixtures, and thus the ex-Bayern manager would need to make a few changes.
4-3-3 Predicted Manchester City Lineup Vs Liverpool
Defence
In the weekend clash, Bravo was deputed with goalkeeping duty. However, for this one, we expect Ederson Moraes to be back in the side. The Brazilian has had a decent season with his team and therefore would love to end it on a high note. After the debacle in the last league match against Chelsea, Pep should opt for Zinchenko in the left-back position ahead of Mendy. Plus, the Ukrainian footballer was given a rest in the weekend as well. The two centre-backs that Pep should opt for are Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte.
Fernandinho is out suspended and Garcia still recovering from his injury, making Guardiola’s options limited. John Stones would be on the bench as a cover. Cancelo’s involvement in the last two games has been minimum, and thus we expect the Portuguese to take the field at the right-back. However, we are sceptical about how good a choice will that be, given his questionable defensive record and Robertson’s blistering runs across the flanks.
Midfield
Kevin de Bruyne has again been the best performer of the team in the last game against Newcastle, and the Belgian maestro would be bestowed with the creative duties against the champions. Rodri would be placed at the central-midfield position as Pep would like to have the solidity at the centre of the pitch to break the Liverpool attacks.
For the same reason, we expect Gundogan to be in the squad, although the German has been a part of the previous two starting elevens and should be a bit fatigued. David Silva would be on the bench, ready to step in if required.
Forward
Raheem Sterling would again be asked to take the field against his former side. However, it must be considered that the Englishman has played the entire length of the last two games and would soon require a break. Phil Foden did brilliantly in the previous match after coming on, and Pep should opt for the youngster in this game. With Sergio Aguero out injured, Gabriel Jesus would be the realistic choice for the manager at the top.
