Pep Guardiola had plenty to mull over after his side’s chaotic 4-4 draw at Chelsea, and now he faces up against a familiar foe in Jurgen Klopp.
The champions highlighted their vulnerabilities at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea did an excellent job of stealing control away from Guardiola’s side. A basketball match ensued, much to the City boss’ dismay.
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Liverpool have had plenty of joy against the Premier League’s supreme force in the past, although they haven’t won at the Etihad since 2018. However, City’s injury woes should ignite hope within the Reds’ camp heading into Saturday’s game.
Here’s how Guardiola could set his City side up this weekend with several key stars potentially absent.
GK: Stefan Ortega – Ederson withdrew from the Brazil squad with a foot injury and is a doubt for Saturday. Ortega proved his competence last season and Pep would be more than happy to bring him into the team if Ederson’s out of action.
RB: Kyle Walker – Walker has been a mainstay in City’s defence this season and he’ll play a crucial role in shunning the visitors in transition.
CB: Ruben Dias – Dias produced one of his worst performances for the club last time out, so he’ll be looking to respond with a robust showing this weekend.
CB: Manuel Akanji – Guardiola hasn’t got the luxury of using Stones in this role against Liverpool, but he could deploy the technically sound and athletic Akanji alongside Rodri. The Swiss international has performed this role previously.
LB: Josko Gvardiol – With Nathan Ake likely to miss out, Gvardiol, who’s yet to fully convince since his summer arrival, should continue in the starting XI.
DM: Rodri – An absolute shoo-in. Rodri’s suspension proved City simply aren’t the same outfit without him in the side.
RM: Phil Foden – Foden has been in fine form, and it seems as if his performances are going under the radar somewhat. He’s not a heavy G/A contributor, but his work in possession is typically majestic.
AM: Bernardo Silva – Bernardo boasts similar importance to Rodri in this City side. In what could be a hectic affair at the Etihad, the Portuguese genius has the ability to provide sequences of serenity.
AM: Jack Grealish – Julian Alvarez’s South American ventures could see him start on the bench which could open the door for Grealish to occupy a more central position and work in tandem with Guardiola’s shiny new toy.
LM: Jeremy Doku – The Belgian international has dazzled in the Premier League thus far, and Guardiola will surely deploy Doku to exploit Trent Alexander-Arnold’s one-on-one deficiencies.
ST: Erling Haaland – Haaland is believed to have suffered a similar injury to the one he picked up against Bournemouth earlier in November. He didn’t miss the following game on that occasion, and it could be a similar story here.
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