Manchester City will be looking to make a big statement in the fight for the Premier League title when they take on high-flying Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s men managed to grab three crucial points at the death against Bournemouth last time out, with former Liverpool man Raheem Sterling grabbing his second goal of the season in the 97th minute.
Liverpool started off slowly when they only managed to get a 3-3 draw in their first game against Watford and then just beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Anfield. Their last game before the international break saw them humiliate top six rivals Arsenal 4-0, with new signing Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane the stars of the show. They will be eager to carry on their goalscoring form against a side that last beat the Reds in the league in 2014.
The last time these two teams faced off was also at the Etihad Stadium, with City only managing to get a 1-1 draw after a number of wasted chances from the hosts. Sergio Aguero was the man to gain City a point after cancelling out James Milner’s opening penalty against his old club. The Argentinian has scored in the last four home games against Liverpool, and is one goal away from achieving a remarkable record of five consecutive home goals against a certain team.
Here’s how we expect Pep Guardiola to set out his team for the game.
GK - Ederson Moraes
Ederson is expected to continue his stint in goal.
RB - Kyle Walker
Walker looks set to return at right-back after being suspended for the Bournemouth game.
CB - John Stones
With Kompany looking set to miss this game through injury, Stones will be brought in to fill the void. The pressure will be on him and Otamendi to perform against Liverpool’s deadly attack.
CB - Nicolas Otamendi
After a solid performance against Bournemouth, Otamendi will be looking to prove himself to Guardiola that he can defend well without the presence of Kompany at the back.
LB - Benjamin Mendy
After a decent performance in his first game of the season, Mendy will be really tested when he comes up against fellow newcomer to the league, Mohamed Salah. The good news is that he is strong and fast, which will be big attributes in the fight down the left flank.
CDM/CM - Fernandinho
Ferna was reliable and solid as ever against Bournemouth and he will be needed more than ever to contest the Liverpool midfield.
CAM - Kevin De Bruyne
After looking back to his best last time out, this is the chance for Kevin to impose himself on a vulnerable Liverpool backline.
CAM - David Silva
Was a prominent figure in City’s attack against Bournemouth and will be looking to kick on for the rest of the season.
RM - Bernardo Silva
After an impressive full debut for City, Bernardo will most likely be given another chance to show what he can do and test the resolve of Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson.
LM - Leroy Sane
With Sterling ruled out through suspension, this is Sane’s chance to impress and solidify a spot in the team.
ST - Gabriel Jesus
After scoring his first goal of the season, Jesus will be looking to kick on and help City towards another big three points.