Liverpool could go top of the league with a win against a Manchester City side aiming to hold on to their Premier League crown.

Liverpool enter this contest in great form, picking up maximum points in their last 10 Premier League games. Manchester City are unbeaten in their last five league games, but will be disappointed with themselves for dropping points and allowing the Merseyside club back into the title race.

In January, Liverpool were 14 points behind their rivals, however Jurgen Klopp’s side have won every league game since then and are now just one point off the reigning champions.

In recent weeks, Pep Guardiola’s side have lost to Spurs and they were also held to draws by Southampton and Crystal Palace. Klopp’s side on the other hand, have beaten Arsenal, Watford and Brighton by a two-goal margin, keeping three clean sheet’s in the process.

The Reds will fancy their chances away from home, having won their last four away games, scoring eight goals and conceding just one on their travels. While the Citizens haven’t been as formidable at home, losing 3-1 to Antonio Conte’s side, however the hosts did win their last home league game, thrashing Manchester United 4-1.

Both teams have now played 30 league games and the winner of this encounter will hold a major advantage in the title race.

Team News

City have been dealt a huge blow ahead of this clash, with central defender Ruben Dias set to miss out. A hamstring injury continues to keep out the Portugal international, although Kyle Walker is able to return to the side after serving his European ban in midweek. Aymeric Laporte is expected to retain his place in the side and partner England international John Stones.

The visitors on the other hand, have received an injury boost with Trent Alexander-Arnold shaking off a muscle injury. In the Champions League match against Benfica, the fullback returned and grabbed a crucial assist.

Predicted Lineups:

Man City (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Cancelo; Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Mahrez, Foden, Sterling.

Liverpool (4-3-3): Allison; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz.

The Managers

Pep Guardiola 

The City boss has challenged the home supporters to lift the team in bad moments, which he expects them to have against Liverpool and is adamant that his side won’t play for a draw.

“We know we are going to defend in parts of the game and sit back. Hopefully our people can back us and support us in the bad moments.

” Never in my life I play to draw, we play to be ourselves. We prepare different to any other team, our build up, final third, pressing.”

Jurgen Klopp

Meanwhile, the Liverpool boss spoke on the importance of this match in the title race.

“I cannot decide what people think, but we can just go through the possible results.

“If we win we are two points ahead, we lose we’re four points behind. If it’s a draw, one point behind – that is it. Does anyone think that’s done and dusted? I cannot change it but I know nobody from City would think it.

“A very important game. I like it, these challenges are nice. If we were fourteen or fifteen points behind it will still be a good game. It’s good, we’ve qualified for a good game with the season we’ve played so far and I’m really happy we can be part of it. We give it a try.”

Head-to-head

In the reverse fixture, City came from behind twice to claim a point in an enthralling 2-2 draw. Dynamic forward Sadio Mane opened the scoring in the second half, however the Citizens hit back immediately through Phil Foden.  A moment of magic from Mohamed Salah looked to have earned the Reds a victory until Kevin de Bruyne fired home late on.

Liverpool have not won a league game at the Etihad since their 4-1 win back in 2015. The Reds have won just one of the last eight meetings between the two sides.

However, this time around the visitors come into this game full of confidence, knowing a win would see them take charge in the title race.

 

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