Manchester City FC vs Liverpool FC
Date: 09/09/17
K.O: 12.30pm
TV: Sky Sports Premier League
Manchester City and Liverpool face off in an early season six-pointer at the top of the Premier League table. Both teams sit on seven points and protect an undefeated record so far.
City will be forced into changes again following Raheem Sterling’s controversial red card in the dramatic 2-1 away win over Bournemouth. Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane will vie for a recall in his place, in a decision which will likely depend on Pep Guardiola’s chosen system for the clash this weekend.
Elsewhere, Vincent Kompany is struggling with a calf injury sustained on international duty and could be replaced by John Stones, while Kyle Walker is available again after suspension and could come straight in in place of Danilo.
Ilkay Gundogan nears full fitness after a ten-month layoff and could feature from the bench. Keeper Ederson Moraes will continue in goal, ahead of Claudio Bravo.
Liverpool will be buoyed by the return of Phillipe Coutinho, who made his first appearance of the season for Brazil in midweek after the debacle of his future amid a £114 million bid from Barcelona.
The Brazilian could replace midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, but Jurgen Klopp will be keen to not upset the balance of what has so far been a potent attacking force.
Deadline day arrival Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also available and will push for his first appearance in a Liverpool shirt.
The reds will continue with the same back four which dominated Arsenal, but could bring back Simon Mignolet in goal, after the Belgian was dropped for the clash against the Gunners.
Liverpool will look to continue an exceptional record against the Citizens, having only lost once in their last seven Premier League meetings, and never under Klopp.
City will be buoyed by their longest unbeaten run under Guardiola of 11 games while Sergio Aguero will look to score in his sixth successive game against Liverpool at the Etihad.
Prediction: Manchester City 1 Liverpool 1
Written by Sam Hanys.
