Liverpool host reigning Premier League champions Manchester City this weekend in an enormous clash in the title race.
The Reds can leap 11 points ahead of Man City with victory at Anfield and Europe’s most in-form side will feel confident about their chances of pulling further clear of the misfiring Cityzens. The 2-0 midweek win over European champions Real Madrid highlights just how impressive Arne Slot’s side have been at the beginning of his reign.
Liverpool have only failed to win twice under their Dutch coach this season and their only defeat came at home to Nottingham Forest. The Merseysiders are now considered title favourites after establishing a commanding lead and victory on Sunday would only strengthen their position.
Usually, meetings between Liverpool and Man City are remarkably even. However, the Cityzens’ dismal form – five losses and a draw in their last six – makes the Reds significant favourites this weekend.
Pep Guardiola’s side look a shadow of their former selves without talisman Rodri and even surrendered a three-goal lead at home to Slot’s former club Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley added their names to the injury list midweek after the clash with Madrid and the former confirmed he had sustained a setback on Instagram, implying that he faces a spell on the sidelines.
Fortunately for Slot, Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to the starting lineup on Sunday after picking up an injury before the November international break. He will feature at right-back in place of the injured Bradley.
Elsewhere, Alisson, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa remain sidelined through longer term injuries, while Kostas Tsimikas was also absent for the Madrid clash due to a knock sustained in training.
Liverpool lineup vs Man City (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Nunez.
Man City lineup vs Liverpool (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake; De Bruyne, Gundogan, Nunes; Foden, Haaland, Savinho.
Normally duels between these two foes are too close to call but Liverpool are the overwhelming favourites for this particular match-up. The Reds have been in sensational form and have the backing of the Anfield crowd – so often a decisive factor on the big stage.
Man City have been woeful defensively over recent weeks, conceding 15 across their past five games. Liverpool have been ruthless in front of goal themselves, rarely failing to score two or more no matter the opposition.
While Man City can never be discounted, especially with the likes of Haaland, Foden and De Bruyne, recent displays point to Liverpool claiming victory and a potentially unassailable 11-point lead at the weekend.
