Premier League team news and prediction: Liverpool vs Man City
Today's blockbuster clash sees Liverpool host Manchester City as the two title contenders lock horns at Anfield. The Reds are desperately out of sorts ahead of the welcome of City, who look unstoppable at present.
Here we provide all the key info ahead of this afternoon's meeting, including what time the game kicks off, where it takes place, team news and probable XIs.
When is kick off?
Sunday 7th February, 16:30 GMT
Where is the match?
Anfield, Liverpool
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports Premier League / Sky Sports Main Event
Form Guide
Liverpool's recent performances have been anything but the form of title contenders. Following successive 3-1 wins in London against Tottenham and West Ham, respectively, the Reds fell to a 1-0 home defeat to Brighton in midweek. Jurgen Klopp's side are now seven points behind Manchester City, who have a game in hand over the defending champions, so victory is imperative if they are to harbour any real hopes to successfully defending their crown. A run of two wins in eight, and a four-game winless streak at home, means City come into Sunday's blockbuster clash as the favourites.
Indeed, City are on a nine-match winning run and are unbeaten in their last 13 in the league. A 2-0 defeat at Tottenham seemed to kick Pep Guardiola's side into gear and since that loss, they have conceded just twice in that run, one of which was a Ruben Dias own goal. That said, City haven't won a Premier League game at Anfield since a Nicolas Anelka inspired 2-1 win back in 2003, a record they'll be desperate to end this afternoon.
Team News
Fabinho, Alisson and Sadio Mane have all trained in the build up to the welcome of Manchester City and their availability is a huge boost for Liverpool. Naby Keita will also be assessed ahead this afternoon's massive match up at Anfield.
Deadline day arrivals Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies are both options in defence for Jurgen Klopp with the duo free to make their debuts for the Reds if required. One may be handed a baptism of fire, which would allow Jordan Henderson to move back into midfield. Long-term absentees Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Diogo Jota all remained sidelined.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Sergio Aguero is ruled out of the trip to Anfield as the Argentine continues his recovery from a bout of COVID-19. Nathan Ake and Kevin De Bruyne are injured, though only the latter would have started here. Guardiola may continue with Aymeric Laporte alongside Ruben Dias and John Stones in the defence in a game at Liverpool they are not forced to win.
Probable XIs
Liverpool (433) - Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Kabak, Fabinho, Robertson; Thiago, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Manchester City (343) - Ederson; Stones, Dias, Laporte; Walker, Rodri, Gundogan, Cancelo; Sterling, Silva, Foden
Key Battle - Thiago vs Rodri
Thiago's start to life in a Liverpool shirt hasn't gone according to plan. The Spaniard has been sidelined with injury for some time, and it means he has made just seven league starts for the defending champions. The midfielder has also been on the winning side in just two of those seven matches, both of which came away from home.
That said, he ranks first for tackles per 90 (2.5) and interceptions per 90 (2.2) of all Liverpool players in the league this season, and once Klopp has his full compliment of players available, fans will see the best of the summer arrival.
However, he'll need to get the better of compatriot Rodri this afternoon, something that'll prove to be easier said than done. Rodri struggled somewhat in his debut season in England, but the 24-year-old has become a mainstay in the Manchester XI, forging a fine midfield partnership with Ilkay Gundogan, and this pair will be key in keeping the Reds midfield quiet in this afternoon's massive match up.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 0-2 Manchester City
