Pep Guardiola tried to downplay the importance of Sunday’s trip to Anfield ahead of the game, but admitted he is not currently concerning himself with the Premier League title race.
Manchester City head to Merseyside eight points behind Liverpool - with Guardiola previously stating a defeat would end his side’s title hopes - and on Friday he added that a win would not kickstart the team’s season.
“All I would ask is the players back,” the Catalan claimed. “When people ask me if I want to win games - yeah but if we don't have the players sooner or later we're going to fall down again.”
Injuries have been a major factor in City’s recent downturn in form, although several players have returned over the last few games. Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku were back on the bench for Tuesday’s capitulation against Feyenoord, a game Jack Grealish started. Kevin De Bruyne has also come off the bench in each of the last four matches.
Whether he is ready to start against Liverpool will be a key factor in Guardiola’s decision making ahead of Sunday's game. Mateo Kovacic’s injury complicates matters in midfield, an area that has proved to be a problem this season.
Guardiola’s defenders have also struggled in recent weeks - City have conceded at least two goals in each of the last six games - and the return of Dias could be important. John Stones’ availability remains unclear though. The ex-Everton man missed the Feyenoord game with a foot injury and Guardiola didn’t provide any team news on Friday.
With that in mind, here’s how we think City will line up against Liverpool…
1. GK: Ederson
Has kept just three clean sheets in 16 previous appearances against Liverpool.
2. RB: Kyle Walker
Despite his poor form, Walker could return at right-back, especially given he was rested in midweek. It could result in Rico Lewis being dropped.
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3. CB: Ruben Dias
After being named as a substitute on Tuesday, the Portugal international might be an option to start at Anfield. Guardiola will certainly want his best defensive options, that's for sure.
4. CB: Manuel Akanji
Rarely misses a game and is unlikely to drop out this weekend. John Stones probably won't start even if fit.