Three weeks after their last outing, Liverpool will return from the international break by hosting Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
City will enter the clash as Premier League leaders, in their first match since being found guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.
Enzo Maresca’s side hold a three-point advantage and a four-goal cushion over second-placed Arsenal, who face Leeds United on Saturday.
The Citizens have made a perfect start to the season, winning seven consecutive matches across all competitions and maintaining a 100 per cent record in the league.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions but have been less convincing in the Premier League.
They have won their last two league games away from home with clean sheets, but drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest and 0-0 with Fulham in their last two league matches at Anfield.
Elsewhere, former Liverpool forward Fabio Borini has announced his retirement from professional football. The 35-year-old confirmed the news on Wednesday evening.
“It all started with a flight. Thank you @chelseafc I was 16 years old. A flight I spent entirely with tears in my eyes, beginning the journey of my career with no real destination, other than the dreams I wanted to achieve,” wrote Borini on instagram.
“From that day on, I started building myself, without knowing what would become of that kid with such a strong mindset. I started building my dreams in my head, and somehow, I ended up turning them into my reality.
“The same reality that today will change forever. The reality that has shaped my past, my present and my future. Today, just like that day when I sat on a plane to London, I feel those same emotions about what lies ahead. Fear. Happiness. Courage.
“Uncertainty. Dreams. Success. Passion. Sacrifice. I want to thank that kid who never stopped believing. And the man I am today will keep believing in the next opportunity, this time without a ball at my feet, but with that same belief. Always. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, FOOTBALL. ❤️⚽”
Borini joined Liverpool in the summer of 2012 from AS Roma. He racked up 20 appearances in his debut season, scoring twice despite an injury-hit campaign.
The Italian spent the 2013/14 season on loan at Sunderland before returning to Liverpool, where he made 18 appearances and scored once under Brendan Rodgers.
Borini then joined Sunderland permanently in 2015. He began his senior career at Chelsea before spells with Swansea City, Parma and Roma.
Later in his career, he represented AC Milan, Hellas Verona, Karagumruk, Sampdoria and Salford City. Borini also earned one senior cap for Italy after representing his country at various youth levels.
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