Vincent Kompany unlikely to be involved as battle for top four hots up
Manchester City vs Liverpool
Competition: F.A. Premier League
Date: 4.30pm, Sunday 19th March 2017
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee: Michael Oliver Assistants: S Burt, S Child Fourth Official: C Pawson
Odds: City Evens, Draw 11/4, Liverpool 14/5
Tickets: See Football Ticket Pad
TV: Sky Sports
Manchester City
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Squad (from): Bravo, Caballero, Gunn, Adarabioyo, Clichy, Kolarov, Kompany, Otamendi, Sagna, Stones, Zabaleta, De Bruyne, Delph, Fernandinho, Fernando, Garcia, Navas, Nolito, Sane, Silva, Sterling, Toure, Aguero, Iheanacho
Injured: Jesus, Gundogan
Doubtful: Kompany
Suspended: None
Form guide: WWWDWL
Liverpool
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Squad (from): Mignolet, Karius, Clyne, Lovren, Moreno, Gomez, Klavan, Matip, Milner, Coutinho, Lallana, Lucas, Can, Firmino, Origi, Mane, Wijnaldum, Stewart, Randall, Ojo, Woodburn
Injured: Sturridge, Henderson, Ings
Doubtful: Firmino
Suspended: None
Form guide: DLWLWW
Vincent Kompany is unlikely to be involved, having been left out of the squad to face Monaco in midweek. The Belgian international is thought to be close to a return to action, but Pep Guardiola is reluctant to take any unnecessary risks.
Guardiola, meanwhile, is wary of the threat posed by a Liverpool side managed by his old adversary Jurgen Klopp, but doesn't believe their impressive record against other top-six teams will be a factor on Sunday:
“In terms of the results until now, yes [they are a threat against the best sides],” he said. “But it’s a new game and anything can happen.
“Klopp is a top coach. It’s an attacking side. Win the ball and attack. He likes to attack in four, five, six seconds all the time.
“Teams when they attack you feel comfortable and when they defend deep sometimes they have more problems. It’s a top team.
“He’s a top trainer. I respect a lot. Huge talented players, English players and foreign players. I think it’s a really good team.
“A good test against one of the best teams in the Premier League. Tough game.”
City's last home game against Liverpool ended in a 4-1 defeat, with Sergio Aguero getting City's consolation. Overall City have won 45 of the 175 games played against Liverpool, with 44 draws and 86 defeats.
Predicted line-up: Caballero, Zabaleta, Stones, Kolarov, Clichy, Toure, Silva, De Bruyne, Sterling, Sane, Aguero
Score prediction: City 2 Liverpool 2