Premier League leaders Manchester City will face a difficult trip away to Liverpool on Sunday, as Pep Guardiola looks to keep unbeaten run intact
Manchester City will embark on a trip to Anfield, as they gear up to take on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Sunday, in matchweek 23 of the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola’s side are unrivalled at the top of the league, fifteen points ahead of their closest challengers Manchester United and eighteen above their weekend’s opponents, who are fourth in the standings. And ahead of the big game, the Catalan boss revealed that his side had no fresh injury concerns going into Sunday’s match.
Guardiola did provide an update on the status of injured striker Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian had injured his medial knee ligament in the goalless draw against Crystal Palace on New Year’s Eve, and was expected to be ruled out for a considerable amount of time. However, the manager has confirmed that Jesus has stepped up his recovery and may well be ready by the time UEFA Champions League returns next month.
In his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “He was (this week) in Barcelona and the news is quite good. I think two or three weeks, against Basel in the Champions League, he could be ready.”
Other than that, club captain Vincent Kompany remains sidelined due to a calf strain, while summer signing Benjamin Mendy has been ruled out till April with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament damage.
For the blockbuster clash against Liverpool, Ederson should start between the sticks for the Cityzens. The Brazilian has been a revelation since his summer move and has established himself as a key part of Manchester City squad. In the defence, Kyle Walker and Fabian Delph are likely to occupy the full-back spots with the fit-again John Stones and the impressive Nicolas Otamendi set to partner up in the heart of the defence.
Fernandinho has been rock solid for the champions-elect and should start as the holding midfielder with Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva completing the midfield trio. Up ahead, Sergio Aguero will spearhead the attack for City, flanked by the enterprising young attackers Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane.
