Manchester City will host Liverpool in a clash of the top two in the Premier League. Before this weekend’s main match, Pep Guardiola’s triple winners were just one point ahead. Nevertheless, two weekends ago, the hosts’ incredible winning run came to an abrupt halt.
Preview (Manchester City vs. Liverpool)
After choosing a different color of blue since the end of the 2021–22 season, Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, and Mateo Kovacic all rejoined their former employers at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago. Palmer’s penalty kick in the fifth minute of second-half injury time to cap off an eight-goal fiesta. It plunged the dagger deeper into the hearts of the Citizens faithful. Sterling did haunt his old team with Chelsea’s second goal of the game.
In that captivating 4–4 draw, Guardiola’s team lost their five-game winning streak despite scoring four goals with an Erdling Haaland brace, a Manuel Akanji header, and a deflected Rodri strike. This resulted in them going into the third break of the season only one point ahead of the leaders. The Champions are leading both Liverpool and Arsenal, who could be overtaken by Tottenham Hotspur or Aston Villa based on the outcome of their exciting match on Sunday. However, scoring four goals at Stamford Bridge means that the Citizens have scored three goals or more in each of their previous five games.
Furthermore, since a 1-1 draw with Everton on New Year’s Eve 2022, Man City has posted a sensational 15 wins from 15 top-flight home matches in 2023; their overall winning streak in front of the home crowd stands at 23 matches in all tournaments. As a result, no English team to visit the Etihad this year has emerged with their pride intact. Man City has the opportunity to create English football history by matching Sunderland’s historic record of 24 straight home victories, which was established between 1890 and 1892. This only makes a revitalized Liverpool even more. Without his heroics in goal, it would not have been a Liverpool home win.
Team News
The supporters of City will be anxiously awaiting any updates on Erling Haaland’s health during the next 48 hours. The Golden Boot winner missed Norway’s last Euro 2024 qualifying match against Scotland due to an ankle injury. It resembled the one he suffered during City’s recent victory over Bournemouth. With his own foot issue, Ederson is in the same boat as Nathan Ake (knock) and Sergio Gomez (ankle). They will also require evaluation closer to game time. Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring), Mateo Kovacic (thigh), John Stones (thigh), and Matheus Nunes (thigh), who was deemed “clinically unfit” while serving with Portugal, will be watching from the sidelines.
Although Haaland’s deputy, Julian Alvarez, is more than adequate. The Argentina international is one of several South American players with short turnaround periods. Haaland is reportedly growing more optimistic that he will be ready to lead the line for the winners this weekend. In a similar vein, the Liverpool medical staff also has some late decisions to make regarding Ryan Gravenberch (knee), Joe Gomez (knock), Curtis Jones (hamstring), and Ibrahima Konate (hamstring). However, Klopp had earlier in the month said that the former would undoubtedly return.
But Klopp won’t have full access to Stefan Bajcetic (calf), Andrew Robertson (shoulder), Thiago Alcantara (hip), and the rest of his South American team, which includes Luis Diaz, Alisson, Darwin Nunez, and Alexis Mac Allister (who is also back from suspension). Nothing indicates that the four players won’t play at the Etihad. However, Klopp might reserve Nunez and Diaz while Jota and Cody Gakpo form a close bond with Salah. He scored his 200th goal in English football against Brentford. They need just one more to reach the 150-goal milestone in the Premier League.
Manchester City 3 – 1 Liverpool
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