A resurgent Liverpool make the arduous journey to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday in a duel that could have huge ramifications in the destination of this season’s title.
City and Liverpool are playing catch-up to Arsenal already having each endured several blips early in the campaign, but they have the opportunity to make a statement this weekend. Victory for either would lay down a sizeable marker, although the table-topping Gunners will be eager to witness a stalemate in Manchester.
Pep Guardiola’s men not only boast home advantage for Sunday’s encounter, they also have form on their side. They have lost just once since the beginning of September and have won six of their last seven matches in all competitions. The unstoppable Erling Haaland has been integral to their success, but the likes of Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku have impressed in supporting roles.
Liverpool are rediscovering their mojo after an abhorrent run of form, winning their last two matches to nil as they look to get back to basics. Convincing wins over Aston Villa and, most importantly, Real Madrid have lifted spirits and thrust them back into the title picture, although travelling to Manchester will prove a stern test of their credentials.
The Reds did end their Etihad hoodoo en route to last season’s Premier League title, but they generally suffer on visits to City. Before their victory in February, they hadn’t beaten the Cityzens away from home in the league since November 2015.
Here is Sports Illustrated’s guide to a pivotal clash before the November international break.
What Time Does Man City vs. Liverpool Kick-Off?
- Location: Manchester, England
- Stadium: Etihad Stadium
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 9
- Kick-off Time: 4.30 p.m. GMT / 11.30 a.m. ET / 8.30 a.m. PT
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- VAR: Michael Oliver
Man City vs. Liverpool Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
- Man City: 1 win
- Liverpool: 2 wins
- Draws: 2
Current Form (All Competitions)
How to Watch Man City vs. Liverpool on TV, Live Stream
Man City Team News
Guardiola has all but ruled Rodri out of Sunday’s game, admitting he’s unlikely to be risked until after the upcoming international period. The Spaniard missed the midweek win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, although his replacement Nico González produced a terrific display.
City’s only other injury concern is also in midfield, with Mateo Kovačić sidelined with an ankle issue. He’s set for a lengthy spell in the treatment room.
Rúben Dias and Bernardo Silva could be the only changes from the team that sauntered past Dortmund on Wednesday night, with John Stones and Savinho potentially dropping to the bench.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
Man City predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; González; Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool appear likely to welcome Alexander Isak back to the squad after four matches sidelined through injury. He returned to training on Friday and Arne Slot has confirmed he’s in contention to make the trip to the Etihad.
However, Liverpool will continue without the injured Alisson in between the sticks and Jeremie Frimpong at right back as he recovers from yet another hamstring problem. Youngsters Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns are long-term absentees.
Slot has a decision to make over whether to start Florian Wirtz, who enjoyed his best Liverpool display midweek, or restore Cody Gakpo to the XI on the left wing.
Andy Robertson should keep his place ahead of Milos Kerkez after some impressive recent performances.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Man City (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitiké.
Man City vs. Liverpool Score Prediction
City will be slight favourites for Sunday‘s encounter given their superior form and their Norwegian goalscoring machine up front, but Liverpool are not to be underestimated following their recent confidence boost.
The Reds might appreciate a fixture in which they can soak up pressure and use their star-studded forward line to hurt the opposition on the counter, and their recent defensive displays offer hope they will be able to limit City to the odd goal.
It really could go either way, but we’re backing Liverpool to leapfrog City in the standings with victory.
Prediction: Man City 1–2 Liverpool
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Man City vs. Liverpool: Preview, Predictions and Lineups.
