Who wins? Key battles, team news… Liverpool vs Man City preview

It is going to be first vs second as Manchester City welcome Liverpool at Etihad stadium in a lunchtime kick-off clash on Saturday in the 13th game week of this season’s premier league right after the November international break.

Pep Guardiola’s treble winners are only one point clear of their Merseyside counterparts heading into this weekend’s headline fixture.

Both teams headed into the international break in a good run of form. City went into the break with a 4:4 draw away at Chelsea and have since dealt a number of injury problems. They lead the table with a single point over the Reds as things stand now and have an opportunity to extend the lead to four points.

After a poor campaign last campaign, Jurgen Klopp’s side have lost only once in the League this season and a title challenge appears to be building following a resounding 3-0 win over Brentford. They went unbeaten during that period, recording wins over Brentford, Nottingham Forest, and Everton and grabbing a point each in their matches against Brighton and Luton Town.

Manchester City amassed 10 points from their last five league games, which is the third-highest total in the English premier league during that time. Following a 1-0 loss to Arsenal, they embarked on a four-game winning streak. Winning Brighton, Manchester United, and Bournemouth, and a thrilling 4–4 draw with Chelsea. Manchester City has established a formidable defence at home this season and are on the run to match Sunderland’s historic record of 24 straight home victories, which was set between 1890 and 1892.

Liverpool have not been in good form when on the road, recording two wins, three draws, and one loss in their away games so far this campaign.

MANCHESTER CITY VS LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS

Pep Guardiola’s team is struggling with several injuries. Long-term absentees include Sergio Gomez and Kevin De Bruyne. But there are other things to be concerned about.

The Citizens are sweating over Erling Haaland’s fitness as the Norwegian talisman races against time to be ready for this Saturday’s big game. Due to an ankle injury, the Golden Boot winner was unable to play in his country’s final Euro 2024 qualifying match against Scotland.

Ederson is in the same situation with his own foot issue, and Nathan Ake will also require evaluation closer to game time while Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, and Matheus Nunes are slated to watch from the sidelines.

If anyone can take advantage of Man City’s injury crisis, it’s Liverpool, who, despite going winless on their last seven league at Etihad Stadium with 3 draws and 4 losses their current form this season might help them.

Liverpool medical team must also make late calls on a number of players, namely Ryan Gravenberch, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones and Ibrahima Konate although Klopp stated earlier this month that the former would definitely return once domestic football was back on the menu.

On Thursday, the Reds verified that Joe Gomez, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, and Ibrahima Konate had all trained. They were all absent from the 3-0 victory over Brentford earlier in the month, but they might play in what appears to be the hardest assignment the League has to offer. Despite being left out of the Greece team for their match against France, Kostas Tsimikas is also available.

Currently, the only long term injury players in the Reds camp are Andy Robertson, Thiago Alcantara, and Stefan Bajcetic.

MANCHESTER City vs Liverpool Time and venue

Kick-off date is Saturday 25th November, 2023

Kick-off time is 1:30pm

Venue is Etihad Stadium

Referee will be Chris Kavanagh

See also: Kevin De Bruyne’s injury: Can Man City thrive in absence of their midfield maestro?

MANCHESTER CITY VS LIVERPOOL PREDICTION: 

Both teams may not be at their fluid best for the midday kickoff due to new worries that have emerged for both during the international break and important players attempting to overcome jet lag to demonstrate their fitness, but another dreadful Manchester afternoon is undoubtedly in store for the men in red.

Liverpool doesn’t have a great record at the Etihad Stadium, but a lot depends on the team that City can field. Nevertheless, Klopp’s team is loaded with goals, and as  proved by Chelsea, Pep’s team can be exposed.

2-1 Win for the Manchester team