Man City Line-Up vs Liverpool predicted

By Agency Report

Manchester City visit Liverpool on Sunday desperate for a result to prevent their faltering season unravelling further.

The Blues have lost their last three in the top flight and five in six in all competitions with the only positive result coming on Tuesday night against Feyenoord in the Champions league but even that was a dispiriting night as City threw away a three goal lead in the final 15 minutes to draw 3-3.

Liverpool beat Real Madrid the following night and have lost just once in all competitions this season to sit top of the table at home and in Europe. It has raised the stakes further for Sunday’s clash with Arne Slot’s side able to move 11 points clear of City with a win.

Pep Guardiola still has injury questions over several members of his squad with Rodri, Mateo Kovacic and Oscar Bobb long-term absentees. Kevin De Bruyne has featured off the bench in recent matches but is not 100 per cent fit having only fully recovered from an issue within the last seven days. Guardiola made a point of saying ahead of the midweek draw that the Belgian had only trained properly for one day and to throw him back in from the start against Liverpool feels a risk.

Ruben Dias returned to the squad against Feyenoord but didn’t feature while John Stones was absent altogether. It means Guardiola is picking from largely the same group of players for the trip to Anfield meaning changes will be at a premium. Kyle Walker could come back into the fold at the back but Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake seem certain starters given the fitness issues elsewhere.

Ederson will line up in goal while in midfield Ilkay Gundogan seems set to start for his intelligence and ability to perform in a number six position. Rico Lewis could be pushed further forward to assist, something Guardiola has done previously this season. That would mean no place for Mathues Nunes who started in midweek but has only featured sporadically in the middle in the Premier League with most of his outings coming from the left.

With De Bruyne still short of minutes, Phil Foden could continue in a creative role with Bernardo Silva’s experience and versatility making him a solid selection. Jack Grealish could complete the trio behind Erling Haaland with Savinho still short of consistency and Jeremy Doku only just back in training following injury.

City predicted XI: