Man City vs. Liverpool: 10 key things to know as Reds face biggest test yet – Liverpool FC
The worldwide break is lastly over, and Liverpool’s return doesn’t get a lot greater than this, with a visit to Man City and an opportunity to finish an extended overdue look ahead to an Etihad win.
Man City vs. Liverpool
Premier League (13) | Etihad Stadium
November 25, 2023 | 12.30pm (GMT)
Jurgen Klopp‘s squad have been unfold the world over for the final fortnight, and whereas preparation time for his or her league return is proscribed, they won’t want any motivation for this conflict.
The Reds had to win their final match towards Brentford and did simply that, however that is the biggest test to date for Klopp’s new-look aspect.
Here are 10 key things to know forward of the Reds’ journey to the blue aspect of Manchester.
1. First meets second
We have been right here earlier than, as only one level separates the 2 groups in first and second.
They’re evenly matched all through the league marketing campaign to date, however apparently Liverpool have a greater defensive file than City, having conceded 10 in contrast to their 12.
Liverpool know the significance of taking factors of City when the chance comes round, and this time is not any completely different – they can’t depend on others doing the job for them.
Some would snap your hand off for a draw, however let’s think about what a win may imply…
2. They’re not all going to miss out, are they?
The worldwide break introduced information of 1 participant withdrawing from worldwide obligation after one other, leaving City with eight ‘injury’ doubts within the lead up to the Reds’ go to.
Ederson, Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes all left their nationwide groups, whereas each Rodri and Erling Haaland missed a match for his or her nation.
Of course, followers are skeptical over their accidents as the information was greater than handy in mild of Liverpool’s upcoming go to.
Only time will inform relating to their involvement, however we do count on to see at the least Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones and Sergio Gomez miss out.
3. The return of the injured Reds
Klopp was with out eight first-workforce gamers for the win over Brentford prior to the break, however he has been handed a lift for the brief journey down the M62.
Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are up for choice after minor points prior to the break, and Alexis Mac Allister will return from suspension.
It leaves Andy Robertson, Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic on the harm listing, all of whom aren’t anticipated again till 2024.
4. Lousy Etihad file, 1 in 15 years!
We have to roll again the clock to 2015 for the final time Liverpool beat Man City on residence soil within the Premier League – the bottom really feels cursed for us.
There was the 11mm objective-line clearance, that Adam Lallana miss and depraved deflections within the time since, the chances at all times really feel stacked towards us.
The one league victory within the final 15 years doesn’t make for good studying, and the image doesn’t change all that a lot throughout all competitions as it’s three wins of their final 15.
To add to the problem, City haven’t misplaced on the Etihad in over a yr – Brentford had been the final workforce to inflict defeat in November 2022.
5. Yet one other 12.30 begin
Three worldwide breaks, three 12.30pm kickoffs for Liverpool after each – you may see why Klopp has been annoyed!
There is little to no preparation time for what’s one among, if not the biggest fixture within the Premier League calendar and it left the supervisor saying, “the people making the decisions, they cannot feel football, it is just not possible.”
The match is to be proven reside on Sky Sports and so they needed it within the 5.30pm slot, however they weren’t given permission by the ‘local safety advisory group’ after earlier incidents throughout the fixture.
Liverpool are two wins from two at 12.30 this season, think about the scenes in the event that they make it three.
6. Time for Salah’s huge milestone?
Mohamed Salah wants simply two extra objectives to attain 200 for Liverpool, a tally solely 4 different gamers in membership historical past have reached.
The Egyptian has 198 strikes in 322 appearances heading into this fixture, and he has scored towards City 11 instances earlier, so don’t rule him out of reaching a double century on Saturday!
Salah has been in unbelievable goalscoring type this season, he has eight in his final eight outings for Liverpool and there can be nothing higher than seeing his arms aloft on the Etihad.
7. Does Nunez begin?
Three objectives and three assists throughout his final eight outings for Liverpool, plus three objectives with Uruguay throughout the break, make for a assured Darwin Nunez heading into this conflict.
Previously, one would have anticipated Klopp to flip to Cody Gakpo up entrance however you are feeling the chaos and vitality of Nunez can exploit City’s defence and discover pleasure.
Diogo Jota, after simply 90 minutes with Portugal, is contemporary for the left wing, however the supervisor faces a choice in each division with an intense 90 minutes to contemplate.
Here are simply a few of the picks he’ll want to contemplate: Tsimikas or Gomez? Konate or Matip?Jones or Gravenberch? And Diaz or Jota?
Predicted Reds XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones; Salah, Jota, Nunez
8. Guardiola vs. Klopp for the 29th time
This is the 29th assembly between Guardiola and Klopp, probably the most every have confronted towards some other manger – and so they each maintain information towards each other.
No one has beat a Guardiola aspect greater than Klopp (12), and nobody has notched extra victories towards Klopp than Guardiola (11).
Since they’ve each been in England, the file stands at eight wins for Liverpool and 7 for City, plus an extra 5 attracts.
9. A very good file with this ref
It is tough as of late not to have had a run in with a selected referee, however the Reds have a superb file when Chris Kavanagh takes cost.
He could also be from Greater Manchester, however the 15 instances he has overseen Liverpool we now have gained 13 and misplaced simply two – and, the truth is, the Reds have gained their final six with him as the referee. Let’s hope that continues!
The VAR on Saturday is Stuart Attwell.
10. How to watch City vs. Liverpool reside!
Man City vs. Liverpool will likely be proven reside within the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, protection begins at 11am (GMT) forward of the 12.30pm kick-off.
As ever, should you fancy some biased commentary then be part of us for our matchday reside weblog from 11.45am, Sam Millne is on the helm and can preserve you up to date and entertained all through.
The nerves are already constructing. Into these, Reds!
