It’s lastly right here, the possibility to maneuver clear on the high of the Premier League desk awaits Liverpool on the Etihad – a floor the Reds final received at in 2018.
Man Metropolis vs. Liverpool
Premier League (31) | Etihad Stadium
Sunday, April 10, 2022 | 4.30pm (BST)
You wouldn’t be alone if the nerves are already kicking in because the anticipation builds for a fixture that has lengthy been within the thoughts of these at Liverpool and Metropolis.
Jurgen Klopp‘s males are presently on a 10-game successful streak within the league whereas in that very same time, Pep Guardiola’s aspect have dropped seven factors to see the Reds claw again what was a 14-point hole.
A enormous 90 minutes awaits and right here’s all you could know!
1. A 13-point turnaround
Earlier this week, Guardiola claimed the 14-point hole Liverpool have since dwindled to at least one was “pretend” as he burdened that the Reds had two video games in hand, not which you can assure the outcomes.
However in any case, what was as soon as a 14-point hole in mid-January is now only one, with Liverpool having picked up 30 from their final 10 video games and Metropolis 23.
A defeat at Tottenham and attracts with Southampton and Crystal Palace have tightened the title race and leaves the door ajar for Liverpool to take management on Sunday, ought to they win.
On the Etihad this season, Metropolis have dropped eight factors from 14 video games – with Southampton, Spurs and Palace the one sides to go away with one thing thus far.
2. One out for Metropolis
The hosts additionally boast a comparatively clear invoice of well being all through their squad, however notably are set to nonetheless be with out centre-back Ruben Dias.
Dias has been sidelined since March with a hamstring harm and Guardiola confirmed “everyone seems to be match, not Dias” when he fronted the press on Friday.
The Metropolis boss has been identified every now and then to rule a participant out just for them to make an look however it appears unlikely on this case with the stakes too excessive to hurry him again.
It implies that John Stones and Aymeric Laporte are to proceed their partnership on the again.
Doable Metropolis XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Cancelo; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Foden, Sterling
3. A FULL squad once more?
It’s certainly true, Liverpool returned from Benfica with no considerations and as such, will journey to the Etihad with a full squad obtainable.
It creates one other welcome headache for Klopp as he appears to seek out the successful method towards the present leaders.
Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Thiago have been all taken off on the hour mark in Portugal which may trace at their involvement, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold got here by means of unscathed on his return.
4. How may the Reds line up?
Fairly a number of names choose themselves for Liverpool, primarily within the backline and as such, it’s the midfield and ahead line that eyes can be skilled on when staff information is launched earlier than kickoff.
One of many questions can be if Jordan Henderson comes again into the XI after enjoying the ultimate half-hour in Lisbon, you’d count on the reply to be sure regardless of Naby Keita‘s stylish efficiency.
You then have 5 excessive calibre choices up entrance to dwindle to a few with Mane, Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino all vying for a spot.
Whereas Diaz is a well-liked alternative to begin, the sensation is the entrance three of outdated in Salah, Mane and Firmino may but get the nod.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Firmino
5. Mo to get again on observe?
We’ve not witnessed the electrical and close to untouchable Salah in latest weeks, fatigue noticeably taking its toll having performed greater than 4,500 minutes for membership and nation already this season.
Klopp acknowledged the depth of the scenario however he’s a big-game participant and Sunday is as huge because it will get.
In 12 earlier video games towards Metropolis, Salah has scored seven targets and laid on an extra three and you’ll’t guess towards him coming to life on the excellent time.
One other magnificence just like the one at Anfield won’t go amiss!
6. ‘My largest rivals’
Klopp and Guardiola aren’t any strangers having confronted off 22 instances throughout Germany and England, with the present Metropolis-Liverpool tussle one which has develop into a key function of English soccer.
And when the Metropolis boss was requested if the rivalry could possibly be sustained like that of tennis greats, he stated:
“I might say Rafa and Nadal was twenty years, to maintain for a very long time is tougher.
“However on this interval, I’ll bear in mind my interval right here, once I’m watching and enjoying golf, I’ll bear in mind my largest rivals as Liverpool.
“Completely we wouldn’t be pretty much as good however for them, after 100 factors, 98 you want somebody to push them.”
7. Do you know?
Because the begin of the 2018/19 season, Man City have picked up 338 factors from a attainable 432, whereas Liverpool have a complete of 337.
You then must look again a substantial distance to seek out who sits in third on this particular desk, and it’s Chelsea with solely 264 factors.
It goes to point out the sheer degree of dominance and the extent of perfection wanted to win the title when the margin for error is so very small.
Presently, there is just one level that separates the 2 groups however come Sunday evening, the hope is that it’s Liverpool with that all-important benefit!
8. ‘One of many largest challenges’
With seven video games to observe the journey to Metropolis, Klopp maintains that he’s not viewing the sport as a title decider as he spoke to reporters on Friday:
“I can’t determine what individuals suppose however we are able to simply undergo the attainable outcomes: if we win, we’re two factors up. If everyone thinks that’s carried out and dusted with the league, I can’t assist.
“If we lose we’re 4 factors behind. If anybody thinks that’s it, I can’t change it, however I do know no person from a Metropolis viewpoint would suppose like that. If it’s a draw, one level behind. That’s it.
“A vital sport, I’m actually wanting ahead to it, one of many largest challenges you possibly can face in soccer, however that’s very nice, that’s why you do these sorts of issues.
“We certified for an excellent sport with the season we performed to date and I’m actually completely satisfied we could be a part of it. I can think about lots of people will watch it and we give it a strive, that’s all I can say.”
9. Taylor within the center
Anthony Taylor has been given match duties on Sunday, which led to a big response on-line following the information, with the Manchester-born referee to supervise the largest sport of the season.
Once you additionally think about that Keiran Tierney is to presiding over VAR, you possibly can perceive a few of the fume as Klopp even stated to Tierney “I’ve no issues with any referees, solely you” again in December.
They’d not have been the one referee pairing to be met with frustration such is the Premier League‘s refereeing requirements, however one can solely hope, as ever, it isn’t the principle speaking level post-match.
10. To Sky Sports activities we go!
Seems to be like we can be getting some Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Martin Tyler motion on Sunday with Man City vs. Liverpool reside on Sky Sports activities, beginning at 4pm (BST) forward of the 4.30pm kickoff.
If you happen to can’t tune in or fancy an alternate method of following the match, This Is Anfield’s matchday reside weblog is simply the place for you with Dan Clubbe to maintain you entertained from 3.45pm.
