Manchester City predicted lineup vs Liverpool - Premier League
Manchester City begin their challenge of attempting to overtake Arsenal in the Premier League title run-in when they host Liverpool at Saturday lunchtime.
City sit eight points behind the Gunners with a game in hand and face a Reds side that has struggled for consistently this season, again being dogged by injuries to key players.
Citizens manager Pep Guardiola has a largely fit squad to choose from, though there are a couple of injury issues he'll be wrestling with.
Here's the side City may deploy on Saturday.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Liverpool (4-3-3)
GK: Ederson - Doesn't get many Brazil caps due to Alisson's status as the Selecao's number one but still had to watch from the bench in the friendly against Morocco as 35-year-old Weverton started the 2-1 loss.
RB: Kyle Walker - Walker's cheat code-esque pace was on full display for England during the break and Guardiola may opt for the specialised right back ahead of John Stones to counter Liverpool's pace on the break.
CB: Manuel Akanji - The Switzerland international is the latest City centre back signing to establish himself under Guardiola. The challenge, which Aymeric Laporte and Stones have struggled with, will be nailing that starting spot down for the years to come.
CB: Ruben Dias - There's no doubt over who is City's most important CB, with Dias a commanding figure at the back.
LB: Nathan Ake - The Dutchman bagged a couple of goals for his country during the break and isn't expected to be left out against Liverpool, with Sergio Gomez not trusted just yet by Guardiola.
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CM: Kevin De Bruyne - De Bruyne's invention and guile in midfield could help City pick Liverpool open. Has three goals and seven assists in his career against Liverpool.
CM: Rodri - Moaned about Scotland's style of play after Spain's 2-0 defeat in Euro 2024 qualifying. Similar excuses won't be entertained if City drop points here.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan - Hasn't shown the goalscoring streak he has in recent seasons, with three strikes in the Premier League so far.
RW: Bernardo Silva - Another who was in good form for their country over the past week or so, Silva's tireless industry will likely be applied out wide.
ST: Erling Haaland - Withdrew from Norway's squad over the break and is at risk of missing this game. If he's not fit, Argentina World Cup winner Julian Alvarez could come in.
LW: Jack Grealish - Starting to pick up goal contributions a little more regularly but hasn't netted since striking at Arsenal in mid February.
