The Premier League’s top two sides go head-to-head at Anfield this week as both protect their unbeaten starts to the season
It’s the one everyone is waiting for.
Liverpool and Manchester City go head-to-head in a battle of the Premier League’s top two sides this weekend, with both putting their unbeaten league records on the line.
What a mouth-watering clash, a renewal of last season’s thrilling rivalry, as Pep Guardiola’s side look to gain revenge over Jurgen Klopp’s men, who won the last three meetings in such incredible, memorable fashion.
Anfield is sure to be bouncing for this one, the perfect way to sign off ahead of the international break.
Here, Goal takes a look at everything you need to know ahead of Sunday’s meeting…
Liverpool will check on the fitness of Naby Keita, who was forced off during the midweek loss to Napoli due to a back problem. Keita underwent hospital tests in Naples to determine the exact injury but was cleared to fly back with his team-mates on Thursday. Liverpool are yet to completely rule the Guinea midfielder out of Sunday’s game.
Adam Lallana has returned to full training this week but is unlikely to be considered until after the international break as he looks to put a hamstring issue behind him.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rhian Brewster are long-term absentees.
Liverpool do not have any suspended players for this game.
Keita’s injury is likely to mean at least one change to the starting XI, with Jordan Henderson likely to slot into midfield.
Cases can be made for both Daniel Sturridge and Xherdan Shaqiri to start the game, with Mohamed Salah in particular looking below his best of late. The idea of Klopp leaving the Egyptian out of a fixture of such significance, though, is fanciful.
Guardiola lost a midfielder of his own in midweek, with Ilkay Gundogan limping out of the Champions League win at Hoffenheim with a hamstring injury. The German scored in this fixture last season but is a major doubt for Sunday.
City already have issues at left back, with Benjamin Mendy (foot) and Fabian Delph (knock) struggling. Danilo, Oleksandr Zinchenko or Aymeric Laporte could be asked to fill in.
Kevin De Bruyne returned to training this week after a knee issue, but will not be considered for this game. Claudio Bravo is a long-term absentee with a knee problem of his own.
The fixture will be broadcast live on UK TV this weekend, screened on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports PL, kick-off 4.30pm.
In the United States the game can be watched live on television on NBC Sports, kick off 11.30pm ET.