After taking charge of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp lost his first game as a manger before the International break against Crystal Palace at Anfield. And his toughest game will be right after that defeat when the team travel to Manchester to play the Cityzens.
Pellegrini’s men have been in excellent form and are looking a formidable side winning games in style. They have a great squad depth and have a number of match winner who can take the game away from Liverpool in a jiffy. This article is a preview of the match between the two teams and also includes team news and Expected Line-ups.
The Manchester City vs Liverpool game will be played on Saturday the 21st of November at the Etihad stadium in Manchester. The kick off is scheduled at 6:30 pm BST (11:00 pm IST).
Team News:
Pellegrini was dealt a blow in his injury list as Samir Nasri, David Silva and Vincent Kompany are out for this game. But the manager has good news elsewhere as star striker Sergio Aguero is back in training and may be fit for the game on Saturday. Bony will take late fitness tests to ascertain if they can get into the game.
Jurgen Klopp will be without defender Sakho which is a big blow for the German. He will welcome back the English International Daniel Sturridge who is fit to play having missed every single game under the new manager. Jordan Henderson and James Milner are back in training and the vice-captain may well start against his former club.
Expected Live-ups:
Manchester City:
Hart, Sagna, Otamendi, Mangala, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Sterling, Navas, de Bruyne, Bony.
Liverpool:
Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno, Lucas, Can, Milner, Coutinho, Firmino, Benteke.
Key Battles:
Fernandinho vs Phillipe Coutinho:
Coutinho has been the best player in attack for Liverpool this season. He looks like making things happen every time he is on the ball. It will be important for Manchester City to keep him silent and deny him the space in front of goal. He finds pockets of space in front of the defense and this is where Fernandinho should be careful. He should not afford him time and space else Coutinho can easily give Liverpool the advantage.
Nathaniel Clyne vs Raheem Sterling:
Easily the most assured player at the back for Liverpool, Nathaniel Clyne will face his biggest test tonight when he will face off the ex-Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling down his flank. Sterling after his big money move will be waiting to prove a point and will be up against Clyne who will afford him no space to run into. However, the young winger has many tricks up his sleeve and if he can get the better of Clyne in the game, City will have a great time.
Betting Odds:
Draw 16/5
Liverpool 19/4
Predictions:
Manchester City have been excellent this season but were held to a 0-0 draw by Aston Villa before the international break. The team looked devoid of ideas and will have to find their scoring streak quickly if they want to keep up their good work this season. With Arsenal breathing down their neck, it will be important that they do not slip up at this stage.
That said, Klopp has changed the Liverpool side to a certain extent and it will not be easy to play against his sides. This game has all the makings of a true thriller.
Our Prediction:
Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool