Liverpool have already been crowned the champions, and Manchester City have certainly secured a place in the Champions League, meaning that the encounter between the two sides would be a mere formality. However, nobody across the football world could dare call this clash just a formality as both these clubs have plenty to look forward to when they face each other on Thursday.
While Klopp would not like to be on the losing end just after the coronation and receiving a guard of honour by their main rivals, Guardiola would also love to make a statement with a win against the Merseyside club. The contest would be as exciting as it can get and we are sure of some fireworks in the midweek.
Setup
Manchester City would play with a 4-3-3 setup, and the thing that would continuously worry Pep is their vulnerable defence. Against Chelsea, his left-back could be blamed for the first goal of the London club, and if the same amount of chances are given to Liverpool, the Merseyside giants will pounce upon them. What the manager should be most aware of are the darting runs by the Liverpool wing-backs, and players like Rodri should be bestowed with the responsibility to stop these attacks.
Liverpool, on their end, would be looking to utilise the width of the pitch against the Citizens and the same would be provided by the combination of Alexander-Arnold and Robertson. The Reds are also likely to play in a 4-3-3 formation with the prolific trio leading the attack.
Team news
Manchester City
Fernandinho was awarded a red card in the last league match against Chelsea, and thus the Brazilian would be out of action for this encounter. Sergio Aguero is out with an injury and could miss the rest of the season, meaning Jesus would be leading the attack for the club. John Stones should be back on the bench, ready to be called upon if required.
Manchester City predicted lineup
Ederson Moraes, Kyle Walker, Nicolas Otamendi, Aymeric Laporte, Oleksandr Zinchenk, Rodri, Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling
Liverpool
Klopp would have an advantage against the home side as his players did not have to play this weekend unlike the hosts, who had to face Newcastle in their FA Cup clash. James Milner and Joel Matip are out injured, and thus the German manager would have a relatively thinner backline. Joe Gomez would be the partner for Van Dijk at the heart of the defence.
Liverpool predicted lineup
Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane
Key men
Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne was again the best player on the pitch for his side against the Magpies this weekend, and the Belgian would undoubtedly have to play a vital role for the club. Sterling scored a goal in the last match that he played, and the Englishman would be raring to make a mark against his former side.
Liverpool
Salah is still in the race for the Golden Boot scoring 17 goals till now in the league. The Egyptian would like to make the best use of the remaining matches and ensure that he can lay his hands on the coveted prize for the third time in a row.
