Manchester City vs Liverpool FC Team News: Henderson a major doubt; Firmino and Lovren expected to return

Jordan Henderson is expected to miss Liverpool’s trip to Manchester City on Sunday

Gameweek 29 concludes with an interesting game for the neutral as two top sides lock horns to establish their top-four credentials. Fourth placed Liverpool will be looking to leapfrog Manchester City, who are just one place and point ahead of them.

The Citizens have struggled at home of late in the league, and this could see Jurgen Klopp capitalise on the frailties of the opposition. Liverpool also have a good record against the Manchester club in the Premier League in recent years, and will go into this one with a positive frame of mind.

However, on the down side, Liverpool are still dealing with a number of injuries, that could go a long way in shaping the outcome of the contest. Captain and midfielder Jordan Henderson is still not a hundred percent, and is expected to sit this one out.

This would eventually see Emre Can, who has been struggling to replace the Englishman, retain his place in the starting eleven alongside Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana at the heart of midfield.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool and Emre Can of Liverpool applaud the travelling fans after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on January 15, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 15: Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool and Emre Can of Liverpool applaud the travelling fans after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on January 15, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo Courtesy: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Attacker Roberto Firmino remains a major doubt as he missed the Reds’ last league encounter against Burnley. Striker Daniel Sturridge was also unavailable for that game through injury, which saw Divock Origi being handed a rare start for the Merseyside outfit.

However, Firmino returned to full training this week and is expected to have recovered from a groin injury that kept him out of action against Burnley. He will look to lead the line with Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho.

Defensively, Liverpool have been shambles all season, and will be glad to hear that Dejan Lovren can finally return to the fray and partner Joel Matip at centre-back. The Croatian played with the u-23s this week, and looks ready to make a first-team return.

For the Citizens, things appear to be much better on the injury front as Gabriel Jesus and Ilkay Gundogan are the only first-team players that are ruled out. Captain Vincent Kompany has recuperated, but is unlikely to be handed a start against Liverpool.

Also Read – Manchester City vs Liverpool Preview: Probable Lineups, Tactics, Prediction and Stats

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