It’s a pivotal day in the Premier League title race as Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield later today (Sunday, December 1).
City’s absolutely wretched form continued midweek as they meekly surrendered a 3-0 lead at home to Feyenoord who stormed back to claim a point. It did at least end a run of five straight defeats in all competitions but did nothing to ease the tension and concern swirling around the Etihad.
After going eight points clear at the top of the Premier League last weekend, Liverpool continued their perfect form in Europe with a 2-0 win over Real Madrid midweek.
The win has come with a cost, however, with Conor Bradley picking up a knock and Ibrahima Konate ruled out of today’s clash against City.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s availability again at least offers an immediate solution at right-back if Bradley fails a late fitness test. The England international was among the subs on Wednesday night after a recent hamstring issue.
Konate ruled himself out of the City clash on Friday as he posted on Instagram: ‘So frustrating to pick up this injury right at the end of a great game on Wednesday night. Now we start the recovery process.’
Goalkeeper Allison Becker, meanwhile, has not played since the start of October when he suffered a hamstring injury. He is back in training but it remains to be seen whether he is contention to start today with Caoimhin Kelleher in fine form, saving yet another penalty midweek.
Diogo Jota has not featured since the win over Chelsea. Like Alisson, he was expected to be available again following November’s international break.
Manchester City’s injury woes remain with Mateo Kovacic set to miss out again. The Croatian has been filling in for the sidelined Rodri but a knock picked up on international duty caused yet more problems for Pep Guardiola.
There are also question marks over John Stones who was replaced at half-time against Tottenham last Saturday before missing out entirely against Feyenoord.
The England star has struggled with injury this season with last Saturday’s start against Spurs his first in any competition since the defeat to the same opposition in north London.
Predicted Liverpool XI to face Man City
Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Jones, Gravenberch, Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Nunez
Predicted Man City XI to face Liverpool
Ederson, Walker, Ake, Akanji, Gvardiol, Lewis, Gundogan, Silva, Foden, Haaland, Savinho
Where to watch Liverpool vs Man City? Kick-off time and TV channel
Liverpool vs Man City kicks off at 4pm on Sunday 1 December.
Live coverage is available on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with a live stream available on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.