A big test of the Reds’ title credentials – Man City vs. Liverpool Preview

September 8, 2017
Henry Jackson

Liverpool and Man City meet at the Etihad on Saturday lunchtime, in a match that sees two attacking forces go head to head.

Man City vs. Liverpool

Saturday, September 9, 2017 — 12:30pm (BST)
Etihad Stadium
Premier League

Occasionally, a match comes along that has ‘thriller’ written all over it, and this weekend’s clash in Manchester certainly feels that way.

Liverpool’s meeting with City is the perfect way to start the Premier League weekend, in a game that pits two of the country’s most entertaining sides against one another.

The Reds and the Blues have started the season with seven points from a possible nine, and both will be keen to stay in touch with leaders Man United.

Jurgen Klopp‘s side produced a superb performance last time around, with the 4-0 mauling of Arsenal an enjoyable one for the Reds, while City earned a dramatic late win at Bournemouth.

Everywhere you look, there are key battles to keep an eye on during Saturday’s clash, and the attacking talent on display is frightening.

Three points for Liverpool would be an enormous statement of intent and the perfect start to the weekend, but a draw must be seen as a positive result against the title favourites.

It will be a relentless 90 minutes of action, full of twists and turns.

Last meeting: Man City 1-1 Liverpool

Team News

Philippe Coutinho is back available but he will not be considered for the game.

Liverpool have been thriving without him, and with his match sharpness not at its best, it makes sense to leave him out.

New signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to start on the substitutes’ bench, with the former Arsenal man hopefully making his Reds debut at some point during the afternoon.

Alberto Moreno should again start at left-back, following some impressive recent form, but Klopp must have to decide between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez at right-back.

The midfield and attack pick itself, with the solidity of Jordan Henderson, Emre Can and Gini Wijnaldum the perfect foil for Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino‘s flamboyance in the final third.

Raheem Sterling is missing for the hosts, after his controversial red card at Bournemouth, and captain Vincent Kompany is out injured. Kyle Walker is available after missing the win at Dean Court through suspension.

Long-term injury casualty Ilkay Gundogan may return to the squad, but Guardiola has no other notable absentees. Sergio Aguero may have to settle for a squad role with Gabriel Jesus preferred up front, summing up City’s current squad depth.

Etihad Stadium

Capacity: 55,097

Away fans’ pubs: Around the ground is all City and not really advisable. Piccadilly has loads of ace pubs and only a decent walk/hop-in-taxi away.

One piece of advice for visiting fan: Singing ‘Where were you when you were shit’ only prompts rolled eyes and vicarious embarrassment. It’s pure Norwich.

Last 5 At City

Man City 1-1 Liverpool – March 19, 2017 (Aguero; Milner pen)
Man City 1-4 Liverpool – November 21, 2015 (Aguero; Mangala OG, Coutinho, Firmino, Skrtel)
Man City 3-1 Liverpool – August 25, 2014 (Jovetic x2, Aguero; Zabaleta OG)
Man City 2-1 Liverpool – December 26, 2013 (Kompany, Negredo; Coutinho)
Man City 2-2 Liverpool – February 3, 2013 (Dzeko, Aguero; Sturridge, Gerrard)