Manchester City vs Liverpool team news and predicted line-ups: Haaland fit, Foden new role hands Grealish lifeline, Mac Allister misses out
Manchester City and Liverpool go head-to-head this weekend as the Premier League’s top two meet at the Etihad Stadium.
Top-flight football returns on Saturday as we begin the run-in to Christmas, and talkSPORT will be on hand to provide live coverage of the biggest blockbuster.
City took part in a top-flight classic against Chelsea last time out but now Pep Guardiola has a couple of injury worries following the international break.
Jurgen Klopp however is expecting some key faces back in action following a week off, as his side aim to continue their superb form this season.
Manchester City
Erling Haaland is the main injury worry for Manchester City ahead of this huge clash.
The star striker picked up a knock while on international duty that forced him to miss Norway’s game against Scotland on Sunday.
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Ederson pulled out of the Brazil squad with an issue, meaning the goalkeeper is also a doubt.
John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne are both out while Mateo Kovacic, Nathan Ake and Sergio Gomez are likely to remain on the sidelines.
Despite his knock, Ederson is still expected to start in goal.
Kyle Walker will play at right-back while Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji complete the Man City defence.
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Akanji has scored in three consecutive Premier League matches and will be out to add another to his growing tally this weekend.
In midfield, Rodri will continue to be the crucial anchor to Guardiola’s side and he’ll line up behind Bernardo Silva who has had a superb campaign so far.
Julian Alvarez has been a regular in a deeper role this season, however, he may not be ready to start this one.
Argentina play at midnight on Wednesday, meaning he is unlikely to be back in England until late in the week, giving him limited time ahead of the early kick-off.
With Kovacic out and Matheus Nunes set to be assessed, Phil Foden could move into a central position.
This would allow Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku to be on the pitch at the same time after both players have been competing against each other for a place.
And up front, Haaland is likely to be fit to start despite his injury, with the issue not considered to be serious enough to keep him out.
Liverpool
Liverpool are expecting some key players back in action.
Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones could all return from injury after missing the win over Brentford.
Alexis Mac Allister also returns from suspension, however, he may not be thrown straight back into the team…
The Argentinian will have been playing for his country only days before the game, and the last time he played a 12:30pm kick-off in these circumstances, he was substituted at halftime.
Klopp is still going to be without Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic while Andy Robertson continues his recovery from shoulder surgery.
Alisson will, of course, start in goal.
Alexander-Arnold will play at right back and look to invert at times while Virgil van Dijk will be partnered by Joel Matip with Konate not rushed back.
Konstantinos Tsimikas provided two assists last time out and will start at left-back, although Joe Gomez remains an option should Klopp opt to go more defensive.
Due to Mac Allister’s possible fatigue, Wataru Endo will sit in defensive midfield behind Dominik Szoboszlai.
Three players could start alongside Szoboszlai, but Gravenberch may get the nod over Jones and Cody Gakpo if he is passed fit before the game.
Mohamed Salah will start on the right while Diogo Jota is expected to play ahead of Luis Diaz after doing so in the last game.
Darwin Nunez should keep his place up front, with Uruguay playing on Tuesday evening, allowing just enough time to recover.
Man City vs Liverpool: Betting
Match Odds:
Man City - 4/6
Draw - 31/10
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Liverpool - 7/2
*odds correct as of 10:30 21/11/23
See more Premier League odds here
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