Liverpool vs Manchester City - Competition: Premier League
Liverpool team are currently runner-up to Manchester City only on goal difference,
after both teams accumulated 19 points from a possible 21. Jurgen
Klopp's men are winless in their last three outings, having lost at the
hands of Chelsea in English FL Cup and SSC Napoli in UCL, and drawn
against the Blues in EPL last weekend. The Reds are undefeated in their
last 24 home matches in Premier League have kept clean sheets in their
last 8 league matches at Anfield. As to direct matches, Liverpool have
won their last six home matches against City.
Naby Keita should
be available despite a back injury picked up in Naples on Wednesday.
Jordan Henderson, who replaced Keita on Wednesday evening, looks a
stronger bet to start against City. Up front Xherdan Shaqiri and Daniel
Sturridge are fresh options in attack given that Mohamed Salah, Sadio
Mane and Roberto Firmino could be tired. Klopp could make changes also
at the back. Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno, Dejan Lovren and Joel
Matip are the understudies should the German make a change or two in
defence.
City
have only dropped two points this season, a 1-1 draw against
newly-promoted Wolves. They enter this match on the back of a pivotal
victory in Champions League - 1:2 against Hoffenheim in midweek - as
they were upset by Lyon at the Etihad Stadium in the first round.
Domestically, Pep Guardiola's men have won 5 matches in a row,
outscoring their opponents 15-1. The Citizens have won 11 of their last
13 away matches in all competitions but have conceded 7 goals in their
last two visits to Anfield, including last season's UCL
mauling.
Pep Guardiola is hopeful that Benjamin Mendy will return
but Kevin De Bruyne remains sidelined. Sergio Aguero has been playing
through the pain barrier of late due to a foot problem, but is once
again favourite to start ahead of Gabriel Jesus in attack. The Argentine
is likely to be flanked by Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sanè, with Riyad
Mahrez main alternative. David and Bernardo Silva will start in midfield
alongside Fernandinho, despite Ilkay Gundogan is pushing to feature
from the off. Fabian Delph, Claudio Bravo and Eliaquim Mangala remain
sidelined.
Date: 7 October 2018
Kick-off Time: 16:30 BST
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool