Newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool FC visit Manchester City for a game that has now been reduced to a dead rubber. The top two sides in the Premier League table go head-to-head in what would be an exciting encounter at the Etihad Stadium.
The reverse fixture held at Anfield saw the Reds win 3-1 against Pep Guardiola’s side. A dominant display was seen by Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool FC side that day with goals from Fabinho, Mohammad Salah, and Sadio Mane. Despite a late goal by their talisman Bernardo Silva, Manchester City looked out of sorts throughout the game.
Liverpool FC will take the field for the first time since being confirmed the winners of this year’s Premier League. The Reds achieved title-winning glory due to the loss suffered by Manchester City at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last week. Pep Guardiola’s side fell to a 2-1 defeat to the Blues, ending their chances of defending their Premier League crown.
A visit to the Etihad Stadium is always a challenging fixture for the Reds. Although they achieved their objective of winning the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp’s side would be in no mood to turn things down a notch. Fresh from their 4-0 victory against Crystal Palace at home, the Reds would be raring to go against their most dangerous rivals in the Premier League.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Thursday 2nd July
Time: 8:15 PM GMT
Venue: Etihad Stadium
TEAM NEWS
Manchester City would face Liverpool FC without the presence of veteran Fernandinho amongst the ranks. The Brazilian was sent off in the game against Chelsea for handling the ball inside the penalty area. Fernandinho is likely to get hit with a two-match suspension which puts him out of contention for the Liverpool FC game at the Etihad.
Also missing for the home side would be star striker Sergio Aguero. The Argentine has a terrific scoring record against the Reds and his absence on the pitch would be a massive blow to Manchester City.
For Liverpool FC, recent reports confirmed that center-back Joel Matip has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering an injury in the recent Merseyside Derby. The Cameroonian had also missed out on the Red’s last game against Crystal Palace.
Jurgen Klopp would be sweating over the availability of James Milner, who too had limped off the pitch in the game against Everton. The former Manchester City player faces a race against time to pass the fitness tests and be available for the game at the Etihad.
In the absence of Matip, Klopp would entrust Joe Gomez to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Liverpool FC defense.
RECENT FORM
Manchester City FC: L W W L L
Liverpool FC: L W L D W
MANCHESTER CITY FC VS LIVERPOOL FC PREDICTED LINEUP
Manchester City FC: Ederson; Kyle Walker, Otamendi, Aymeric Laporte, Mendy, Rodri, Kevin de Bruyne, Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling
Liverpool FC: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
