90min
·30 de noviembre de 2024
90min
·30 de noviembre de 2024
Manchester City can bring their dismal winless run to an end in style this weekend when they visit table-toppers Liverpool in the Premier League.
The reigning champions have lost five and drawn one of their last six matches in all competitions, including a 4-0 hammering at home to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. They followed up their shocking loss to Spurs by throwing away a three-goal lead in the final 15 minutes of their clash with Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Man City are struggling to adapt to life without Rodri and won't be enamoured by the prospect of visiting Europe's most in-form side on Sunday. However, they can move within five points of Liverpool if they achieve victory on Merseyside and revive their Premier League title defence.
Here is how Man City could line up on Sunday.
Kevin De Bruyne could start at Anfield / Michael Regan/GettyImages
GK: Ederson - Endured a rough night at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday as City capitulated and was guilty of gifting Liverpool a penalty with a wild swing in last season's Anfield fixture. Confidence levels won't be particularly high for the Brazilian.
RB: Kyle Walker - Walker has found himself in and out of the City side this season, rarely shining when called upon. However, up against the in-form Luis Diaz or Cody Gakpo, Guardiola may opt for experience and physicality.
CB: Manuel Akanji - Akanji has not been shocking in recent weeks but he's been unable to prevent the City defence from sliding into crisis. Darwin Nunez and co. will give him plenty of nervous moments at Anfield.
CB: Ruben Dias - The Portuguese's absence has coincided with City's significant dip in form and Guardiola will be relieved that he is available once again. After being an unused substitute against Feyenoord, the imposing defender should start on Merseyside.
LB: Nathan Ake - Josko Gvardiol has had a nightmarish few weeks for club and country, making an array of gaffes and being generally tortured by wingers. Ake may be drafted in to match the indefatigable Mohamed Salah.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne - It must be time for De Bruyne to return to the starting XI after four straight cameos off the bench. The Belgian has barely kicked a ball this term but is always capable of being a game-changer.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan - The experienced midfielder has been given the runaround since returning to England but injuries to Mateo Kovacic and Rodri leave Guardiola little choice but to persist with Gundogan in the engine room.
CM: Matheus Nunes - Nunes has been one of the brighter sparks for City in recent weeks, even if his positive form has been overshadowed by his side's shocking results. He has a combined six goals and assists in his last seven matches.
RW: Phil Foden - The 2023/24 Premier League Player of the Season has been a shadow of himself and has only offered glimpses of his quality in Europe. A strong record against Liverpool should serve as a confidence boost for Foden.
ST: Erling Haaland - Haaland has come in for criticism in recent weeks but he's actually scored seven goals in his last five outings for club and country. His Premier League form must improve, however, and a battle with Virgil van Dijk promises to be tantalising.
LW: Savinho - Much like his fellow winger Jeremy Doku, the energetic Savinho needs to add a sprinkling of end product to his game. He's still without a goal in 16 matches for the Cityzens despite often looking lively.