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Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City is set to be a gripping contest, with several key individual battles likely to decide Sunday’s showdown at Anfield. Both sides need a win, with Liverpool chasing a top-four place and City looking to strengthen their title bid.
Arne Slot has fewer options than Pep Guardiola, particularly in defence. Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined, meaning Liverpool may again rely on a makeshift right-back after Dominik Szoboszlai filled in against Newcastle.
Slot has confirmed the Netherlands international is not yet back in full training, though Joe Gomez is closing in on a return. Liverpool head into the weekend eight points behind City, but Guardiola’s side have just one league win in their last six matches.
A home victory would be a major boost for Slot’s team, who recently slipped to sixth, as they look to revive their Champions League hopes. Despite injury concerns, Liverpool underlined their long-term ambition this week by agreeing a £60m deal to sign 20-year-old Rennes midfielder Jeremy Jacquet for next season.
Asked about the condition of the pair on Thursday, Arne Slot told his pre-match press conference: “Jeremie will definitely not train this week, so he’s not available for the weekend. With Joe, we have a little bit of hope that he might train Saturday.
“So, not available to start but maybe available to help the team if needed during the game because, as you already know, there are not that many defenders available at the moment.”
The Dutchman added: “It’s the end phase of the season so results matter more and more. [They are] a very good team that were even able to win yesterday against the team [Newcastle United] that we beat during the weekend not even with their starters. That tells you combined with the game we played against them what a force City still is and always will be.
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