In what is easily the match of the week, two of the best managers in world football will go head to head at Anfield in search of all three points this weekend. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool take on each other in a virtual six pointer in the last game of the year 2016. Both teams are fresh from 3 back to back victories and will go into this game looking for a victory but with so much at stake, it is hard to call a winner from this game. Playing at home, Liverpool, who have not lost a game there in over a year, are favorites but City have found some decent form off late and will test the Reds. Here is the predicted lineup for both the sides in this game:
Liverpool:
Team News:
Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, revealed before the game that star player Philippe Coutinho and Joel Matip are both ruled out of this fixture. Marko Grujic, Danny Ings, Sheyi Ojo and Joe Gomez are the only other players that are an issue for Klopp ahead of this game.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Simon Mignolet:
The Belgian has been the first choice for Klopp in the last few games and he should start this game at the weekend.
Nathaniel Clyne:
The former Southampton man was praised by Klopp in the press conference before the game and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
Dejan Lovren:
The senior defender in the side in Matip’s absence, Lovren, needs to have a good game for Liverpool to take anything from City.
Ragnar Klavan:
Having put in decent performances in Matip’s absence, Klavan, should keep his place in the side for this game.
James Milner:
The makeshift full back has been extraordinary for Liverpool and he should start this game at Anfield.
Jordan Henderson:
The Liverpool skipper is at the top of his game and will have a big job on his hands in the midfield against Manchester City.
Georginio Wijnaldum:
The Dutch international is slowly growing in confidence and will need to have a decent game if Liverpool are to take all three points from this game.
Adam Lallana:
The inform midfielder for Liverpool, Lallana, has been productive in front of goal this season and should keep his place in the side.
Sadio Mane:
The Senegal winger is the top scorer for Liverpool in the league and he should start this game on the right wing.
Roberto Firmino:
Though stuck in a legal case, Firmino, is available for this game and should start against Manchester City.
Divock Origi:
Though failed to score in the last two games, Origi, adds another dimension to the Liverpool attack and should start on the night at Anfield.
Manchester City:
Team News:
Pap Guardiola has no new injuries to worry about as Vincent Kompany and Fabian Delph remain sidelined for this game. Sergio Aguero, who was suspended for the 4 games is back in action after serving his ban while Ilkay Gundogan remains the biggest injury concern for the manager. John Stones, who picked up a niggle in the last game is expected to be back in action as well.
Expected lineup (4-1-4-1):
Claudio Bravo:
Though not at his best this season, Bravo, is the first choice for Guardiola and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
Pablo Zabaleta:
The veteran defender will have his work cut out in this game against Liverpool at Anfield.
John Stones:
Though picked up a knock in the previous game, Stones, is fit and back in action and should start this game against Liverpool.
Nicolas Otamendi:
The Argentine defender has also been decent in the last few outings and will start this game at the weekend.
Aleksandar Kolarov:
The first choice left-back for City, Kolarov, should keep his place in the side for this game at the back.
Fernandinho:
The lynchpin in the midfield for Guardiola, Fernandinho, will have to be at his best if City are to take anything from this game.
Jesus Navas:
The pacey winger will be given an opportunity in this game to try and put pressure on James Milner, Liverpool’s left back in this game.
David Silva:
The Spaniard is one of the most important players for the side this season and he is an automatic starter for crunch games like these.
Kevin de Bruyne:
The Belgian has been sublime at times this season but he has lacked consistency which can effect his side in this game against Liverpool.
Raheem Sterling:
Going back to Anfield for just the second time since his move to the Etihad, Sterling, will hope to have a good game on the night against his former side.
Sergio Aguero:
The Argentine is just coming back from a suspension and will be fit, fresh and raring to take on Liverpool in this game.
