Liverpool vs Manchester City: Anfield Awaits City

On Sunday evening, dethroned champions Liverpool face current holders Manchester City in a Premier League showdown at Anfield. Ladies and gentlemen, its Liverpool vs Manchester City. The two tactical genius lock horns in the Premier league masterclass.

After six matches, the two powerhouses are presently first and second in the Premier League table, with Jürgen Klopp’s side one point ahead of their championship rivals at the top.

Jurgen Klopp was quick to point out that Liverpool’s prior thrashings of Porto at the Estadio do Dragao meant nothing going into their Champions League fixture, but the Reds still thrashed Sergio Conceicao’s side 5-1 on Tuesday.

After their last spectacular triumph against AC Milan, the Reds’ legendary old guard of Mohamed Salah (2), Roberto Firmino (2), and Sadio Mane powered them to a dominant European success, but they were disappointed by an inspired Brentford squad in their most recent Premier League match.

You have to be your best version. Then, you have a chance. #LIVMCI ⏳ pic.twitter.com/HRDk7Seq6l

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 2, 2021

Thomas Frank’s side came back from a goal down on two occasions to make the Brentford Community Stadium a fortress.

However, that point was enough to propel Liverpool to the top of the table as Chelsea lost to Chelsea and Manchester United dropped crucial points, and their goal tally of 15 is also the highest in the division.

Klopp’s team is also unbeaten in ten competitive games at Anfield, scoring at least three goals in each of their past six games since last month’s 3-0 win over Leeds United, but Pep Guardiola’s defense is already proving near-impenetrable in the league this season.

Man City traveled to Stamford Bridge on the aftermath of a dismal goalless stalemate with Southampton, looking to pass their first true test of the season with flying colors, but Guardiola’s men delivered when it mattered most.

With 53 minutes gone, Joao Cancelo’s effort found its way into the path of Gabriel Jesus, and the Brazilian’s effort went through a sea of bodies before trickling into the back of the net for a potentially important 1-0 victory.

Liverpool vs Manchester City – Team News

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be fit to play in this crucial match, joining Harvey Elliott and Thiago Alcantara on the bench.

Even with Naby Keita’s return to fitness, James Milner should continue at right-back for the time being, while Curtis Jones has put in some strong displays in the center of the park and could earn a start against the champs.

Klopp’s only real choice is whether to start Diogo Jota or Firmino at the attack’s center, and while the Portuguese has held his spot thus far, the Brazilian may be favored in a game of this magnitude.

Meanwhile, City manager Pep Guardiola does not anticipate Ilkay Gundogan to recover before the international break, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is a huge doubt but unlikely to replace Cancelo anyhow.

"He is a young player and he is improving because he has the willingness to listen and say I can do better" 💬

Pep gives his thoughts on Rodrigo and more in his press conference ahead of Liverpool ⬇️🗣

🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 2, 2021

Aymeric Laporte started both the Chelsea win and the PSG loss, but John Stones has yet to play this season and may not be pushed into an Anfield match right away.

After a dismal evening in Paris, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling are expected to make place for Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus in the Manchester City first XI.

Match Predictions

A clash between the Premier League’s most explosive attack and the most tenacious defense should produce yet another classic between the two teams, although the visitors’ defense will almost certainly be unable to hold out against the illustrious trio.

Guardiola’s side still has plenty of quality going forward and should have made the Parc des Princes tremble, therefore we expect the two managers to shake hands on a draw when the final whistle blows.

Liverpool 1 Manchester City 1