Man City v Liverpool predicted line-ups, how to watch, team news, referee and stats

Over recent years, there’s only one rivalry which has captivated the world. No, it’s not Bonnie Blue against Lilly Phillips. It’s not Joey Barton and women’s football. It’s Pep Guardiola’s Man City against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool of course.

In recent seasons, these two titans have been involved in epic games, tantalising cup finals and thrilling title races. 

Unfortunately, those days are well in the past. That’s not only down to Klopp’s departure but also due to Man City’s unthinkable decline this season. 

The only title implications on Sunday concern Liverpool as the Reds look to strengthen their position at the top of the table. A victory would take Arne Slot’s men 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal.

Man City, on the other hand, are simply trying to stay in the hunt for a top four finish. With the likes of Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Bournemouth and Newcastle pushing them close, it should make for a dramatic run-in.

Another important box to tick for the Citizens is to shake off their recent Champions League disappointment. City were played off the park by Real Madrid as Guardiola missed out on a round-of-16 spot for the first time in his managerial career.

The Spaniard has endured a number of firsts this season – none of them in his favour. However, he could become the first manager to hand Liverpool an away Premier League defeat this season.

 

Man City team news

Man City will be without defenders Manuel Akanji and John Stones, with the Englishman picking up a muscle issue during Wednesday’s Champions League clash in Madrid.

Rodri and Oscar Bobb are both long-term absentees for Guardiola and both men will watch the match from the sidelines.

The big question concerns Man City forward Erling Haaland. The big Norwegian forward missed the match with Real Madrid due to discomfort in his knee. Omar Marmoush started up front for the Citizens in the Spanish capital and struggled in the position. However, should Haaland remain unavailable for selection, Marmoush may have to give it another go.

There’s also questions over Kevin de Bruyne. The influential midfielder didn’t start against Real Madrid due to a ‘technical decision’. Considering the Belgian doesn’t have an injury, he could play a role against Liverpool.

 

Man City predicted line-up

Ederson – Nunes, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol – Gonzalez, Kovacic – Savinho, De Bruyne, Foden - Marmoush 

 

Liverpool team news

Liverpool are waiting to see whether Cody Gakpo will be available for Sunday’s visit to the Etihad. The player missed the last two games after picking up a little knock in the derby against Everton.

Conor Bradley will miss the big encounter following his withdrawal away at Aston Villa in the 2-2 draw.
Joe Gomez will also be on the sidelines having gone through surgery for his hamstring injury. 

 

Liverpool predicted line-up

Alisson - Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Roberston - Mac Allister, Gravenberch - Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo - Diaz

 

Man City v Liverpool: How to watch and listen

Fans can watch Sunday’s game live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. There’s also live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.

 

Man City v Liverpool stats:

Man City have lost just one of their last 15 Premier League home games against Liverpool

Following their win at Anfield in December, Liverpool are looking to do the Premier League double over Man City for the third time

Since Christmas, only Liverpool and Arsenal have won more points in the Premier League than Man City

Liverpool are unbeaten in each of their last 13 Premier League games played on a Sunday 

 

Pep Guardiola (Man City) quotes:

On Erling Haaland

"Don't know yet. Tomorrow [Saturday] we will know it, but I don't know. It's better to have Erling on the pitch but, obviously, we don't have it."

On Kevin de Bruyne

"He played against Real Madrid at home - of course he can play. It was my decision. The relationship with Kevin is exceptional. I cannot thank enough what he has done for me, for the team, everybody. It's never, ever personal or that I am upset."

On the Liverpool match

"We can compete with any team. We have two central defenders out for two to three months. The Premier League is massively important for us. In the Premier League, we have played really good games.

"We are not stable but in other games, such as against Newcastle, we have been at a high level. We will try to play a good game and get the points we need to stay up there to qualify [for the Champions League] next season."

 

Arne Slot (Liverpool) quotes:

On the Man City match

“What I always expect from City since Pep is there: a great football team that can play so well. They've had maybe one or two months in the seven or eight years he's there now that weren't the best, maybe partly because of injuries as well. Injuries come back, they've signed three or four players, I can see them coming back already if you look at the result against Newcastle. 

“So what you expect is what everybody expects if you go to the Etihad if you play against City. You have to suffer as well and work really hard to keep them away from your goal because they are so, so good in ball possession. But they face a strong team as well that hasn't lost for 22 games.”

On Darwin Nunez’s form

“I can accept every miss, especially from a player that has scored two very important goals against Brentford, that's scored for us in the home game against Villa. I would prefer him to score but the word 'chance' says it all – it's a chance, so it's not 100 per cent sure that the ball goes in. 

“Players miss chances, that I can accept. But what was a bit harder for me to accept [was] his behaviour after that chance, and with behaviour I mean I think it got too much in his head where he wasn't the usual Darwin that works his [backside] off and makes sure he helps the team.

“I think he was too disappointed after missing that chance and maybe – we will never know, we will never find out – that's why he was just a fraction short [in] the moment afterwards. I always truly believe that it's always the best to have Wata [Wataru Endo]'s mindset and what I mean with that is that for the whole season he just keeps on going, keeps on going, keeps on going and whenever we need him, he's ready. 

“That is very difficult, there are not many players that can do this. It's not about the chance for me, it's more about the 20 minutes afterwards where I want to talk to him about than about him missing a chance."

 

Man City v Liverpool referee stats:

Anthony Taylor will be the man in the middle for this huge encounter.

In his 22 Premier League matches, Taylor has dished out 74 bookings – including two red cards.

His last visit to the Etihad saw Man United claim derby bragging rights with a shock 2-1 win. Meanwhile, Taylor’s last match featuring Liverpool saw the Reds claim a 5-0 win over West Ham.

 

Man City v Liverpool tips and best odds:

Man City 19/10 – Liverpool 6/5 – Draw 14/5

 

Good luck and please gamble responsibly.

(All odds are correct at the time of article publication)

 

Liverpool to win – 6/5

It’s been a decade since Liverpool last won at the Etihad but if there was ever a time for that run to end, it’s now. City come into this game on the back of three defeats from five – including a spanking in Madrid.

 

Mo Salah to score anytime – 11/8

Backing Salah to score this season is almost a betting hack. The Egyptian has found the back of the net in seven straight games across all competitions and has produced 11 goal contributions in that time too.

 

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