The Premier League's most enthralling rivalry of recent decades writes a new chapter this weekend as Manchester City host Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. This clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for supremacy in the league.
Manchester City currently hold a one-point lead at the top of the table, but Liverpool are hot on their heels. This match could potentially determine who takes control of the Premier League table.
With just a point separating the two, it's an opportunity for Jurgen Klopp's side to lay down a marker and ascend to the summit with a victory.
City are favoured to win an unprecedented fourth-straight title this term, but an emboldened Reds look set to challenge Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut once again.
Man City vs Liverpool Team News
Erling Haaland could potentially miss Saturday's game due to an ankle injury sustained during international duty. However, Julian Alvarez is expected back from South America ahead of this fixture which should provide some relief for Guardiola.
Other notable absences include Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic and Sergio Gomez, while Ederson may also sit out due to a foot injury.
Liverpool has its own share of injury concerns with Andy Robertson being ruled out for the long-term, alongside Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic, who are not expected back until 2024.
However, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez have been recovering from knocks over the international break and all are expected to be available this weekend.
Man City vs Liverpool Possible Lineups
The hosts are expected to line up in the 4-1-4-1, Guardiola's latest innovation, in a team brimming with attacking vigour. Pep will hope his team can maintain a better balance this time around and keep the goals down at the other end. He may opt for some more rugged options in defence to achieve this.
Man City Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1): Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri; Foden, Bernardo Silva, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland.
Jurgen Klopp's side should stick with their tried and tested 4-3-3. Who they will play in the front six positions is anyone's guess as they have such a wealth of talent to choose from in those areas. He may look to bring in another slightly more workmanlike presence into the midfield to counter City's own attacking talents. Endo could get a big opportunity here.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Endo, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Jota.
Be sure to head back to Sporticos an hour before kick-off to get updated official lineups and other stats.
Man City vs Liverpool Prediction
Despite the potential absences for City, it's worth noting that no side has beaten them on their home turf in the past year. However, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah has been mightily efficient and could exploit perceived vulnerabilities in City's defence.
This match could be a topsy-turvy bout with goals at both ends. However, given City’s formidable record at the Etihad, it would be unwise to bet on them to lose.
Therefore, we see the spoils being shared when these two Premier League heavyweights collide this weekend.
Prediction: Man City 3-3 Liverpool
This Premier League showdown between Manchester City and Liverpool promises to be an exciting encounter filled with high stakes and thrilling football action. It is definitely a fixture worth pencilling into your diaries!
Man City vs Liverpool will be broadcast live on TV and online by Sky Sports. Fans can watch on TV on Sky Sports Premier League or Sky Sports Main Event, or via live streaming with the Sky Go app.
