Man City vs Liverpool: Treble winners host Klopp’s red-hot men in a tasty lunchtime Prem battle for top spot – latest
PREMIER LEAGUE football is back with a bang as Manchester City host Liverpool at the Etihad TODAY – and top spot is up for grabs.
Some would argue that the Treble winners haven’t been firing on all cylinders this season having already lost twice in the league.
And that evidence was further supported when Pep Guardiola’s men were forced to share the spoils in a 4-4 thriller against Chelsea just before the international break.
However, City still find themselves sitting pretty at the summit of the table – reclaiming top spot from Tottenham who had occupied it for a number of weeks.
But breathing down their necks is a Liverpool side with the joint-best defence in the division and the Reds are fresh from thumping Brentford 3-0 at Anfield.
With just a point separating the two English giants, it promises to be nothing short of entertaining, especially if VAR makes its unpopular appearance.
Recent form
City are unbeaten in six games in all competitions since losing 1-0 to Arsenal and perhaps should have won each of those.
Cole Palmer’s last-gasp penalty denied them all three points last time out but they are beginning to show why they are champions with three or more goals scored in each of their last five games.
Meanwhile Liverpool have hit their poorest patch of the season with just one win in three games.
They look unbeatable at home but on their travels have lost to Toulouse and needed a last-minute winner at Luton to avoid defeat in recent weeks.
However prior to that Jurgen Klopp’s side had lost just once in 15 games and that was after having two players sent off against Tottenham.
What is the team news?
Pep Guardiola would have been sweating over the fitness of Erling Haaland who was forced to pull out of Norway’s squad to face Scotland with an ankle issue.
But reports suggest that the goal machine should be fit enough to feature in this thrilling lunchtime encounter.
However, Rodri, Nathan Ake, Ederson, John Stones, Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic will all need to be assessed.
While Kevin de Bruyne continues his road to recovery following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp could be spoilt for choice as FIVE players look set to return.
Alexis Mac Allister, Joe Gomez, Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate and Curtis Jones will likely be fit and available for selection.
As for the trio of Andy Robertson, Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic, this match has come a little too soon for them to be involved.
Ones to watch
City possess threats all over the pitch and it will be interesting to see who Guardiola operates in central defence, as the likes of Stones and Akanji stepping into midfield could be key to undoing Liverpool.
However Bernardo Silva is our player to watch with three goals and three assists in six Premier League matches this season.
He is a big game player with seven goals against the Big Six in his City career and his assist for Akanji’s header against Chelsea last time out was key to turning the match around for his side.
Haaland is City’s primary goal threat however and that means Virgil van Dijk could be key for Liverpool.
The centre-back has returned to his best form this season and if he can keep a tight lid on the prolific Norwegian then the Reds should take something back to Merseyside with them.
SunSport prediction
City and Liverpool have always produced entertaining encounters and although Guardiola’s side have had the upper hand in recent meetings, particularly at home, Liverpool should be able to hold their own. 2-2.
When is Man City vs Liverpool?
- Manchester City’s thrilling Premier League encounter against Liverpool will take place TODAY – Saturday, November 25.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 12:30pm GMT
- Etihad Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge top-of-the-table clash and it can host approximately 53,400 fans.
- Pep Guardiola’s men thumped Liverpool when the sides last met in April.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- Manchester City vs Liverpool will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
- Coverage is set to commence from 11am GMT – one hour and a half before kick-off.
- Fans can also stream the action on NOW TV.
- Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.
What are the latest odds?
- Man City to win 8/13
- Draw 10/3
- Liverpool to win 7/2
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication