Manchester City and Liverpool have become big rivals in recent times. Arguably, they have been two of the best sides in the Premier League for the last few years.
So these fixtures between the Citizens and the Reds have become an all-important tie in the Premier League. Manchester City will be hosting Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
After a faltering start to the campaign, Guardiola’s men have finally found their rhythm back. City have won five of their last six fixtures in all competitions, including three consecutive wins and clean sheets. The most recent being Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Olympiakos in the Champions League group stage match.
On the other hand, Liverpool are on top of the league table despite facing a major defensive issue due to the injury of first-team centre backs Van Dijk and Matip. The Reds are also in good form after thrashing Atalanta 5-0 in the Champions League group stage match.
Manchester City are unbeaten to Liverpool in their last four meetings at the Etihad stadium. Guardiola would like to keep the record intact. Liverpool will be without Van Dijk which is a big blow, meanwhile City will also be without their talismanic striker Sergio Aguero.
Pep Guardiola said at the pre-match press conference: “It’s an important game, but like the US Presidential Election, all the votes must count. There’s a lot of games to play,”
“It’s always nice to play against the strongest teams possible. Last year Liverpool were stronger. They have been an exceptional team for a long time, with an exceptional manager.”
“It is nice to face them to improve our level. We know how good we need to be to beat them.”
He further added: “When you play against teams like Liverpool you always have moments where you have to suffer,”
“We’ll try to use it to our strengths as much as possible. We have played each other many times. There will be up and down moments. We need to take our chances and be clinical.”
Liverpool have 16 points from 7 matches while Manchester City have 11 points from 6 matches. So City will be hoping to close the gap.
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