Liverpool v City has become one of the fiercest rivalries in English football over recent seasons, with both teams competing for the top prizes both domestically and in Europe. The Reds – reigning champions – are in fourth place after losing their last two games at Anfield, while City are currently leading the way at the top.
Pep Guardiola’s side have not lost since they went down 2-0 to Tottenham in November, and a win today – which would be a 10th in the row in the top flight – would send them 10 points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand. Liverpool, though, have not lost to City at home in the league since May 2003.
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Andrew Robertson; Georginio Wijnaldum, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones; Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane.
LIVERPOOL SUBSTITUTES: James Milner, Adrian, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozan Kabak, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Xherdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi, Nathaniel Phillips, Neco Williams.
Jurgen Klopp has made four changes from the Liverpool side which started in the defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday. In a big boost, Alisson returns from illness, with Fabinho also coming back to partner Henderson in defence. Jones comes into midfield, while up front, Mane is also back in the fold. New defensive addition Kabak is on the bench.
MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3): Ederson; Joao Cancelo, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan; Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden.
MANCHESTER CITY SUBSTITUTES: Gabriel Jesus, Zack Steffen, Aymeric Laporte, Ferran Torres, Benjamin Mendy, Fernandinho, Eric Garcia, Tommy Doyle, Adrian Bernabe.
Two changes from Guardiola. Jesus scored against Burnley, and in the reverse fixture against Liverpool earlier this season, but his place is taken by Foden, who may well start up front or on the left, or even in midfield. Zinchenko, meanwhile, is preferred to Laporte at left-back.
The teams are out at Anfield, and this huge clash is just moments away from kicking off. The reverse fixture in November was thrilling in the first half, though both sides tailed off after the break. Will City take a big step towards regaining the title, or can Liverpool stay in the race?
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