EPL returns in style with crunch Man City vs Liverpool clash
- Man City vs Liverpool will be played on Saturday afternoon.
- City currently top the standings on 28 points.
- Liverpool are a point behind them in second place.
The Premier League is back with a bang and a huge mouth watering clash between title contenders Man City vs Liverpool on Saturday (25) afternoon.
Hosts City scored four and conceded a similar number in a thrilling match against a rejuvenated Chelsea two weeks ago at the Stanford Bridge and Pep Guardiola’s side will be seeking to rectify their defensive mistakes and silence the Reds at the Etihad Stadium.
On the other hand, not many Liverpool fans imagined that their side would be fighting for the top spot at the beginning of the season despite the great signings they made – to them the rebuilding process was going to continue.
However, Jürgen Klopp, just like he has done before has done wonders with the squad, making them solid defensive wise and clinical going forward.
Liverpool broke for the international break with a 3 -0 demolition of Brentford FC at the Gtech Community Stadium. Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah scoring a brace for the Merseyside club with Portuguese forward Diego Jota getting the third.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of tomorrow’s early kickoff match.
What time does Man City vs Liverpool start?
The match is expected to start at 12:30 pm UK Time at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City vs Liverpool Team News
Title holders Man City go into this match with several key members of the squad nursing injuries. Kevin de Bruyne, who has been instrumental in the Cityzens’ Premier League triumph in the last three seasons, continues with treatment alongside Sergio Gomez.
Last season’s Golden boot winner Erling Haaland missed Norway’s last UEFA Euros qualifiers because of a foot problem and it is not yet clear whether he would be ready to lead the line against Liverpool.
It is expected he will be fit but should the clinical striker miss the match, City have a worthy replacement in the name of Julian Alvarez.
Pep is also likely to be without the services of Jones Stones, Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunez.
Unlike Man City, the Reds prepare for the match without any major fresh injury concerns and will be boasted with the return of French defender Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch.
Reliable left back Andrew Robertson, Steven Bajcetic, and Thiago Alcantara are out of Saturday’s game due to injuries.
Klopp is likely to go with a front line of Darwin Nunez, Salah and Luis Diaz who had a memorable international break with Colombia, scoring a brace in his nation’s 2-1 victory over Brazil.
Possible Starting Lineups
Manchester City: Ederson, Gvardiol, Akanji, Dias, Walker, Rodri, Silva, Foden, Doku, Grealish, Haaland.
Liverpool: Alisson, Tsimikas, Van Dijk, Matip, Trent, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Diaz, Salah, Nunez.
Man City vs Liverpool head-to-head
Liverpool and Man City have locked horns 18 times since 2018. The Reds have won seven of those matches while six ended in a draw.
In their recent five meetings, City have won two with Liverpool securing narrow wins in the remaining three.
Man City thrashed the latter 4-1 in their last encounter with Alvarez, De Bruyne, Grealish and İlkay Gündoğan founding the back of the net. Liverpool’s goal was scored by Salah.
You have to go back to Saturday April 16, 2022 for Liverpool’s last win away to Man City.
Man City vs Liverpool Current Form
Manchester City: WWWWD
Liverpool: WWDLW
Man City vs Liverpool Prediction
Both teams will be seeking to collect all the three points to sit at the helm of the Premier League table.
Goals from both sides are expected but City are tipped to be slight favourites in the tie.
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