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Preview: Title chasers Manchester City and Liverpool face off in a pivotal clash

Preview: Title chasers Manchester City and Liverpool face off in a pivotal clash

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Two of the Premier League’s top three are involved in this weekend’s headline fixture, which could well determine the next twist in the title race.

By Neel Shelat

City returning to full strength

Injury issues were a big part of Manchester City’s problems last season, and they haven’t had a fully clean bill of health so far this term either. Rodri hasn’t been able to hit the ground running on his return, Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush have missed a fair few games each, and a number of defenders have come in and out of the squad.

Going into this game, though, Mateo Kovačić is the only confirmed absentee, so Pep Guardiola will have the opportunity to pick from pretty much all of his options.

Another tough test for Liverpool’s thin defence

While a lot of attention went to Liverpool’s attacking renovation in the transfer window, their lack of investment in defensive depth perhaps did not get as much scrutiny as it deserved. It certainly has come into focus now, as injuries have further limited Arne Slot’s options. Giorgi Mamardashvili has done well enough in place of Alisson, but Giovanni Leoni’s long-term absence has forced Ibrahima Konaté and the 34-year-old Virgil van Dijk to start almost every game together.

Although the Reds are going into this fixture on the back of successive clean sheets, they conceded in each of their 10 matches prior to the win over Aston Villa last weekend. They will definitely need to be on their A game to stop Erling Haaland from adding to his tally of 27 goals in 17 games this season.

Have Liverpool found the formula for their attack?

The quest for balance in the team has been the story of Liverpool’s season so far. They got off to a flying start with seven straight wins, but were soon derailed and lost six of the next seven. The number of attacking options and different full-back profiles have possibly given the coaching staff too many options to pick from, but they might well be hoping to have landed on something successful in the win over Real Madrid this week.

The most noteworthy omission in this lineup is Cody Gakpo, who often looked to be a bright spark in an otherwise faltering attack in that string of defeats. Alexander Isak may be back in the squad after missing the last few games due to a groin injury, but he likely won’t be fit to start.

Can Mohamed Salah deliver on the big stage again?

After enjoying arguably his best-ever season last term, Mohamed Salah has gotten off to a concerningly quiet start this time around. He does have an incredible record against City of 13 goals and eight assists in 23 appearances, so this should be a great opportunity for him to silence the doubters and extend his side’s head-to-head unbeaten run to five games.

Prediction

Liverpool beat Manchester City 2-0 in both of their meetings last season, but the two sides seem much more evenly matched now. A score draw or 2-1 win either way could very much be on the cards.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Preview: Title chasers Manchester City and Liverpool face off in a pivotal clash

Two of the Premier League’s top three are involved in this weekend’s headline fixture, which could well determine the next twist in the title race.

By Neel Shelat

City returning to full strength

Injury issues were a big part of Manchester City’s problems last season, and they haven’t had a fully clean bill of health so far this term either. Rodri hasn’t been able to hit the ground running on his return, Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush have missed a fair few games each, and a number of defenders have come in and out of the squad.

Going into this game, though, Mateo Kovačić is the only confirmed absentee, so Pep Guardiola will have the opportunity to pick from pretty much all of his options.

Another tough test for Liverpool’s thin defence

While a lot of attention went to Liverpool’s attacking renovation in the transfer window, their lack of investment in defensive depth perhaps did not get as much scrutiny as it deserved. It certainly has come into focus now, as injuries have further limited Arne Slot’s options. Giorgi Mamardashvili has done well enough in place of Alisson, but Giovanni Leoni’s long-term absence has forced Ibrahima Konaté and the 34-year-old Virgil van Dijk to start almost every game together.

Although the Reds are going into this fixture on the back of successive clean sheets, they conceded in each of their 10 matches prior to the win over Aston Villa last weekend. They will definitely need to be on their A game to stop Erling Haaland from adding to his tally of 27 goals in 17 games this season.

Have Liverpool found the formula for their attack?

The quest for balance in the team has been the story of Liverpool’s season so far. They got off to a flying start with seven straight wins, but were soon derailed and lost six of the next seven. The number of attacking options and different full-back profiles have possibly given the coaching staff too many options to pick from, but they might well be hoping to have landed on something successful in the win over Real Madrid this week.

The most noteworthy omission in this lineup is Cody Gakpo, who often looked to be a bright spark in an otherwise faltering attack in that string of defeats. Alexander Isak may be back in the squad after missing the last few games due to a groin injury, but he likely won’t be fit to start.

Can Mohamed Salah deliver on the big stage again?

After enjoying arguably his best-ever season last term, Mohamed Salah has gotten off to a concerningly quiet start this time around. He does have an incredible record against City of 13 goals and eight assists in 23 appearances, so this should be a great opportunity for him to silence the doubters and extend his side’s head-to-head unbeaten run to five games.

Prediction

Liverpool beat Manchester City 2-0 in both of their meetings last season, but the two sides seem much more evenly matched now. A score draw or 2-1 win either way could very much be on the cards.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.