Liverpool vs Man City team news and expected line-ups: Salah returns but not Alisson as Grealish replacement dropped
Premier League title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City will meet in a season-defining clash this weekend.
The Reds They are the only team that has strength pep guardiola's maintains the English top flight, with its only win in 2019/20 breaking City's last six titles.
Jurgen Klopp men now have the opportunity to replicate that featwith his team one point ahead of Man City at the top of the table.
The last winner of Darwin Núñez Nottingham Forest last time it meant Liverpool retained the initiative ahead of the title showdown at Anfield.
However, a victory for city manthat destroyed the neighbors manchester united Sunday's 3-1 would give them the lead for the first time this season.
Liverpool
Mohamed SalahLiverpool's return will be the biggest boost to Liverpool's chances as the Egyptian is desperate to put his injury concerns behind him.
The Reds talisman scored and assisted his return from a hamstring problem in a 4-1 victory in Brentford on February 17.
However, he suffered muscular fatigue That has since ruled him out of wins over Luton, Chelsea, Southampton and Nottingham Forest.
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The 31-year-old is expected to return to full training this week and will likely be rested for the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie against Sparta Prague on Thursday to take his place here.
Núñez scored on his return from injury against Forest and will lead the line, with the ever-present Luis Díaz on the opposite flank.
Dominik SzoboszlaiWataru Endo and Andy Robertson recovered from various injuries and illnesses to also perform at The City Ground.
All three are expected to start against Man City, with the two formers forming part of Klopp's midfield alongside Alexis Mac Alister.
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Robertson's full-back partner Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a key failure after re-injuring his knee against Burnley a month ago, with youngster Conor Bradley continuing as a substitute at right back.
klopp You also have the option to implement Joe Gomez on both sides for added defensive security against City, but Ibrahima Konate will be associate captain Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the defense.
On the other hand, Caoimhin Kelleher will continue in goal with Alicia Becker nursing a hamstring injury.
Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones They are still in the treatment room, while Ryan Gravenberg will be lost after being stretched out at Wembley.
Joel Matip, Thiago AlcantaraStefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak are confirmed long-term casualties.
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city man
In contrast, Guardiola almost has a healthy state to deal with, but several tactical adjustments to consider.
The Spaniard's unorthodox defense has found true form in recent weeks, with Juan Piedras pushed to a double pivot in midfield along Rodri when City are in possession.
That allows his England teammate Kyle Walker to help form a back three in front of Ederson.
Ruben Dias will maintain his ever-present role in the center of defence, with Nathan Ake again preferred to Manuel Akanji.
Josko Gvardiol He would offer some competition for a place but has yet to start a Premier League match since recovering from injury.
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Jack Grealish probably will not play any role due to another groin problem which caused him to miss the victory in the Manchester derby last weekend.
However, his replacement Jeremy Doku again struggled to replicate his early season form.
The 21-year-old has not scored a goal or assist in the Premier League since the beginning of November, and has failed to score a goal or assist in his last 11 top-flight appearances.
That will likely open the door for Julián Álvarez to regain his starting spot on the team, with Bernard Silva pushed onto the wing.
On the opposite flank will be the in-form team. Phil Foden who is playing the best football of his career right now.
and talisman Kevin De Bruyne will operate behind Erling Haaland.
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