The Premier League title will not be determined this weekend, but Manchester City’s top-of-the-table clash with Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium could provide a clear indicator of which team will take the title.
The difference between the two teams at the top of the table has narrowed to just one point, with the reigning champions just about holding off the Reds for now.
Both teams are coming off first-leg victories in the Champions League quarterfinals, with City defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 and Liverpool defeating Benfica 3-1.
Man City team news and predicted line up
The big injury news from the Man City camp is still the continued absence of centre-back Ruben Dias, who is on the way back from his thigh injury but will not return in time for Sunday’s clash.
Embed from Getty ImagesCole Palmer is still out with an ankle injury, but he was never in contention to start this game. Guardiola will welcome Kyle Walker back from his Champions League suspension.
(4-3-3 formation) Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Cancelo, Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Foden, Sterling
Liverpool team news and predicted line up
Liverpool welcomed Trent Alexander-Arnold back from a hamstring problem much quicker than initially anticipated, while Naby Keita shook off a knee issue to play 89 minutes against Benfica.
Jordan Henderson was also among the substitutes for the Benfica win but will expect to earn a recall over Naby Keita. Similarly Joel Matip is likely to replace midweek goalscorer Ibrahim Konate at centre back.
(4-3-3 formation) Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago, Salah, Mane, Diaz
Recent meetings
- In the reverse fixture at Anfield, the score ended 2-2, with Liverpool taking the lead on both occasions.
- Liverpool’s last win at the Etihad was 4-1 back in 2015.
- Man City have not lost in the last four meetings against Liverpool.
- Man City have not kept a clean sheet in their last three games against Liverpool.
- Liverpool have not kept a clean sheet in their last seven games against Man City.
- There have been over 2.5 goals in four of the last five meetings.
- Both teams have scored in six out of the last seven meetings.
Form
Man City: W-W-W-D-D
Liverpool: W-W-W-W-W
How to watch
For fans unable to make the trip to the Etihad Stadium, they will still be able to watch the game live on Sky Sports Main event with kick off at 4:30pm.
Prediction
This is a particularly hard game to call with neither team wanting to make a mistake. A draw would favour the home side more but they will still have to work hard for it.
Kevin De Bruyne has been in fine form for the home side with a goal in each of his last three games, he will be the danger man for Man City.
Mohammed Salah has scored seven goals against Man City and will be the one to watch out for.
We expect a close encounter and cannot separate the two teams.
Score prediction
Man City 1-1 Liverpool