Manchester City have not beaten Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp took charge of the Reds in the Premier League, with Klopp’s only defeat to the Citizens coming in the League Cup final in 2016. Both sides have already put themselves in the top four and will be desperate to keep the pressure up on Manchester United at the top of the league when they meet on Saturday lunchtime.
Recent form
Manchester City have got off to an unconvincing start to the season, with only one first half goal from three games. Having beaten newly promoted Brighton and Hove Albion, they fought back to equalise against Everton despite playing much of the game with ten men. Most recently, Raheem Sterling completed an injury time comeback to beat Bournemouth.
Liverpool didn’t get off to an ideal start in the Premier League with an opening day draw against Watford, but they have impressed since with a win over Crystal Palace and Champions League wins over German side Hoffenheim. The pinnacle was their 4-0 thrashing of Arsenal at Anfield in their last fixture.
Likely line-ups
John Stones and Sergio Aguero are likely to return for Manchester City, though Vincent Kompany made a claim for a spot in the starting eleven against Bournemouth. Danilo’s disappointing defensive display should see Kyle Walker walk straight back into the side.
Liverpool are likely to go unchanged, with potential debutant Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to be forced to watch on from the bench, potentially alongside Philippe Coutinho.
Team news
Raheem Sterling will serve a suspension after picking up two yellow cards in injury time alongside his late winner against Bournemouth. That will rob him of the chance to face his former side, with the game coming too soon for midfield duo Fabian Delph and Ilkay Gundogan as they overcome leg and knee injuries.
Liverpool too face only long term absences, with Adam Lallana’s thigh problem likely to keep him out until November or December. Nathaniel Clyne’s back concerns will see him sidelined into the new year.
Match prediction: Manchester City 1-2 Liverpool
Both sides are capable of producing immense quality or absolutely shambolic defending, so it could go either way. Liverpool’s deadline day boost and impressive win over Arsenal could give them the mental edge compared to a City side who missed out on top target Alexis Sanchez.
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