Manchester City resumed their Premier League duties after the international break with a high-profile game against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Saturday.
The two best teams in the Premier League meet at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday morning.
The Sky Blues head into the international break after a 4-4 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. In west London, it dropped points but maintained its top spot.
Pep Guardiola’s side went into the match a point ahead of the Reds, who beat Brentford 3-0 at Anfield before the break.
Manchester City team news
Pep Guardiola could be depleted from the squad he has to work with on Saturday due to injuries. During the international break in November, Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic, Mathieu Nunes and Ederson were sent off before a ball was even kicked.
Manchester City suffered another blow after seeing Erling Haaland pick up an ankle injury in Norway’s win over the Faroe Islands, but the injury is not considered serious and he should be back for the game against Liverpool. John Stones was left out of England’s squad after picking up a muscle strain during the international break earlier this month, while Ederson was left out of Brazil’s squad after picking up an injury against Chelsea.
Expected formations for Manchester City vs Liverpool (3-2-4-1)
GOALKEEPER
Ederson withdrew from the Brazil national team after picking up a foot problem against Chelsea. However, he is expected to be available for Saturday’s game against Liverpool.
DEFENSE
As in the draw with Chelsea, Pep Guardiola can opt for a 3-2-4-1 formation. With Nathan Ake ruled out, Kyle Walker, Ruben Diaz and Josku Guardiola could form the front three against Liverpool.
MIDFIELD
Manchester City’s defensive trio will need to be compact and disciplined to keep Liverpool’s free-flowing attacks quiet on Saturday. partial protectionWith Mateusz Nunes and Mateo Kovacic in doubt, Manuel Akanji could once again be Manchester City’s defensive midfielder alongside Rodri.
The duo is tasked with protecting the backline and setting the pace. Ahead of Akanji and Rodri, Julian Alvarez and Bernardo Silva occupy Manchester City’s top 10 roles and their guile, imagination and movement could cause problems for Liverpool’s defence.
ATTACK
Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku could be deployed on the wing. Foden will look to make it difficult for Liverpool’s left-back by cutting into half-spaces, while Doku can use his pace and accuracy to exploit the gap left by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Erling Hoaland is expected to lead Manchester City’s forward line after recovering from a minor ankle injury. The Norwegian will be ready to add to his season tally on Saturday and help the hosts secure three points against Liverpool.
