Manchester City will welcome Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium for a crucial Premier League match. With both teams vying for the title, it promises to be an exciting encounter. Ahead of the game, we take a look at the key players and injury news from both teams.
Manchester City’s Starting XI
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has made six changes to his team from their last match. Sergio Aguero’s replacement, Julian Alvarez, will play in the central striking position due to Erling Haaland’s absence. Sadly, Phil Foden is also unavailable after appendix surgery.
The City back four of Stones, Akanji, Dias, and Ake has been solid in recent games. John Stones will start on the right and wander into midfield to support Rodrigo. Nathan Ake will fly forward in support of winger Jack Grealish.
Liverpool’s Injury News
Liverpool will go into this match without Naby Keita due to a muscle injury sustained while playing for the national team. Thiago Alcantara is still sidelined with a hip problem and is not yet back in team training.
On the other hand, Darwin Nunez should be fit to feature in the game after recovering from an injury sustained in Liverpool’s previous match. Luis Diaz is back in training after a long absence due to a knee injury, but he is not yet fit to play.
Jurgen Klopp’s plans will not change much if Manchester City’s top scorer Erling Haaland is not fit as they will focus on stopping the supply lines to City’s forwards.
Player Analysis of Julian Alvarez
Adrian Clarke picks out three key battles between players and teams going head-to-head in Matchweek 29. One of those battles could be Julian Alvarez against Liverpool’s defense.
With Erling Haaland out due to injury, Pep Guardiola has turned to Alvarez as the striker for the match against Liverpool. Alvarez has found the net 11 times in competitive action for Manchester City this season, including five goals in six Premier League starts.
The 23-year-old makes a greater impact when in the starting XI and has led the line as a lone striker in cup competitions to great effect. Alvarez brings a vibrancy to Man City whenever he is involved and averages a team-leading 22 sprints per 90 minutes.
His movement is bright, and he snaps up rebound or half-chances instinctively with either foot. Alvarez’s record in 2022/23 indicates he is ready to make an impact against Liverpool.
Match Analysis and Prediction
Liverpool have won more Premier League games against reigning champions than any other side. However, they have taken just 12 points from their 13 Premier League away games this season. Meanwhile, Manchester City have won our last three Premier League games.
Manchester City have played more through balls than any other side in the Premier League this season. Liverpool have failed to score in seven different Premier League games this season. However, Mohamed Salah has scored in all three of Liverpool’s games against Man City this season.
Overall, it promises to be a tough match for both teams, but with Manchester City playing at home and Julian Alvarez impressing, we predict that they will come out on top with a victory of 2-1.
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