This weekend’s match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield presents an important chance for the team to make a statement and take the lead in the title battle this season.
The title race heats up this weekend. While both sides hope for victory, injuries have taken a major role in their preparations and tactics.
The reigning champions’ dominant display against Manchester United & FC Copenhagen SHOWED Their confidence. However, the Reds face a challenging Europa League fixture against Sparta Prague just three days prior, while Manchester City enjoys an extra day of rest.
Liverpool and Manchester City will be excited to gain an advantage in the Premier League championship battle this weekend. Still, both teams will be without several key players which might affect their tactics.
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City have won only twice in their last 32 visits to Anfield. A record Guardiola would be eager to amend this Sunday.
Injured Players for Liverpool:
- Alisson Becker (Goalkeeper): Muscle injury.
- Diogo Jota (Forward): Medial collateral ligament injury in his knee.
- Ryan Gravenberch (Midfielder): Groin injury.
- Ben Doak (Forward): Hamstring injury
- Joël Matip (Defender): ACL injury.
- Thiago Alcântara (Midfielder): Calf injury.
- Stefan Bajčetić (Midfielder): Ankle injury.
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Injured Players for Manchester City:
Pep Guardiola has dealt with yet another injury problem. In the second half of Manchester City’s Champions League match against Copenhagen, midfielder Matheus Nunes had to leave the pitch.
With just 20 minutes left in the game, Nunes appeared to have broken his left middle finger after taking a heavy fall. Micah Hamilton took his position.
- .Jérémy Doku (Forward): Hamstring injury, doubtful for the Liverpool match.
- Matheus Nunes (Midfielder): Middle finger injury, likely out for the Liverpool match.
- Jack Grealish (Winger): Recurring injury, out for a few weeks.
Impact on Tactics:
Liverpool
Liverpool’s injury list is long, and it contains many crucial players, especially in defence and attack. This might lead them to adopt a less aggressive strategy, such as relying on counter-attacks and set-pieces. Even though a lot of injuries Liverpool is ‘super happy’ with the transfer business in midfield. Remember, Klopp had to entirely rebuild his midfield this season, as five players – Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner all departed the club. Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister were the four new additions and currently appear to be doing well with them.
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Manchester City
Manchester City, although missing several key players, has greater depth in their team. Pep Guardiola may decide to change his tactics somewhat, but City is still expected to go on the offensive.
