Seeking to maintain their 100 per cent start to the Premier League season, Manchester City travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday evening.
The Premier League was shaken to its core following confirmation that Manchester City were found guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-season period. The Sky Blues deny all the allegations and have appealed against the charges.
Given their long-time rivalry with Liverpool, Man City are certain to encounter a hostile atmosphere at Anfield throughout the game. Enzo Maresca’s side will want to continue their business on the pitch and make it six wins on a trot by beating Liverpool, who are unbeaten in the league with nine points on board.
Manchester City Team News
Man City have received a timely double fitness boost ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown, with Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo returning to team training.
Haaland was substituted during Norway’s UEFA Nations League defeat to Portugal last weekend, prompting concerns about his fitness ahead of the Liverpool match. However, he trained with his City teammates on Thursday. Semenyo has also returned to training after withdrawing from the Ghana squad because of a swollen leg.
Nico O’Riley’s availability remains uncertain. He withdrew from the England squad with an unspecified injury last week, so it remains to be seen whether the midfielder will be fit enough to make the matchday squad. Meanwhile, Phil Foden will serve the third and final game of his suspension following his red card in the Manchester derby.
Predicted Manchester City lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to continue in goal for Man City.
Defence
Man City’s back four basically picks itself. Marc Guehi should partner Ruben Dias in central defence. Matheus Nunes and Josko Gvardiol are set to continue as the full-backs, providing a combination of attacking thrust and defensive robustness.
The visitors’ backline will need to be focused throughout the 90 minutes to keep a dangerous Liverpool attack at bay.
Midfield
New signings Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez have settled in brilliantly at the Etihad Stadium. The duo will try to keep things simple and help their team tick over. Fellow new signing Ayyoub Bouaddi has to be patient for minutes again.
Rayan Cherki has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, bagging three goals and two assists in five league games. The Frenchman showed his class over the international break and will act as the visitors’ creative link on Sunday.
Attack
Haaland and Semenyo have overcome their minor fitness troubles and should retain their spots in City’s attack. Fit-again Jeremy Doku is pushing for a start ahead of summer signing Iliman Ndiaye.
The potential trio of Semenyo, Haaland and Doku could make life difficult for the Liverpool defenders. Ndiaye could be brought on off the bench if Maresca needs more guile and directness in City’s attack.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Manchester City Lineup vs Liverpool 1
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