Liverpool FC’s ambitions of closing the gap at the summit of the Premier League table were handed a severe blow in the form of Brighton walking away from the midweek game at Anfield with all three points.
Graham Potter’s men put out an inspired showing and a second-half goal from the visitors proved to be the matchwinner, causing a dent in Jurgen Klopp’s side’s on-the-rise revival in top-flight football.
The Merseysiders had gone into Wednesday night’s clash on the back of two consecutive wins in the capital city but were in for a shock result as a misfiring display on all fronts prevented the reigning champions from recording a third win on the trot.
Sunday’s showdown at Anfield will witness an in-form table-topping Manchester City make the trip to Merseyside and square off against their arch-rivals Liverpool FC.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have failed to emulate their now characteristic brand of attacking football in domestic action since the backend of last year and the weekend’s meeting against City presents the Premier League holders with a must-win tie should they still hold aspirations of retaining their top-flight crown.
The upcoming visitors on Merseyside could potentially extend their lead over Liverpool FC up to ten points if they secure a win at Anfield for the first time in 18 years come Sunday and City gaffer Pep Guardiola would be hoping to get the better of his managerial foe Klopp following the 1-1 stalemate earlier this season.
WHEN & WHERE?
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 @ManCity 👊🔴 #LIVMCI pic.twitter.com/klCMCLOdZV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 5, 2021
Date: Sunday 7 February
Time: 3 PM GMT
Venue: Anfield
TEAM NEWS
Jurgen Klopp will be eagerly awaiting further assessment on Sadio Mane’s injury situation following a stale attacking show from his team’s frontline in the game against Brighton.
Mane has missed the last matches for the Reds due to a muscle issue but Klopp had voiced hopes of the former Southampton man being fit for Sunday’s home fixture.
Fabinho is another name in the Liverpool FC first-team fold who could stage a return to the pitch in the forthcoming fixture judging by Klopp’s earlier comments.
Jordan Henderson is expected to be shifted back into his preferred spot in midfield and Klopp would be keen on handing a debut to deadline-day arrival Ozan Kabak, the latter of whom being tipped to take Henderson’s vacancy in the heart of the backline alongside Nat Phillips.
KEY BATTLE
Nat Phillips vs Ruben Dias
Nat Phillips has emerged as a shining presence at the back for Liverpool FC in spite of the mixed results recorded by the Merseysiders in recent times.
The 23-year-old centre-back was on the fringes at Anfield previously but having been given opportunities of late due to injuries to key first-team regulars, Phillips has put in a tremendous shift as the sole natural centre-back available to Klopp.
Manchester City’s purchase of Portugal international Ruben Dias has played a huge role in a drastic transformation of the Etihad Stadium outfit’s defence as the former Benfica man has been incredible while marshalling the table-toppers from the back.
Sunday’s event on Merseyside should see both defensive names across opposite ends of the pitch battle it out to guard their respective backlines and turn the game in their side’s favour.
MATCH PREDICTION
Jurgen Klopp’s men face arch-rivals Manchester City at the worst possible time, with the Reds reeling in an inconsistent run of form.
The Cityzens, on the other hand, would relish taking on the hosts in their current state as Guardiola’s side hope to wrap up the title race in a swift manner and Anfield presents itself as a wonderful venue for them to do so.
Considering the sorry state of events currently underway within Jurgen Klopp’s camp, we predict Sunday’s visitors to Anfield to walk away with a 2-0 win.
