Man City vs Liverpool: Latest team news, predicted lineups and injuries

Haaland missed the midweek defeat in Madrid (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester City must bounce back quickly from Champions League heartbreak after they welcome Liverpool to Anfield his weekend.

A battering in Madrid on Wednesday night ensured Pep Guardiola’s side crashed out of Europe before the last 16 stage. While they’re still fighting within the FA Cup, a top 4 finish within the Premier League is more likely to be the most effective they will hope for.

City can at the least dent Liverpool’s title bid on the Etihad on Sunday. Arne Slot’s side dropped points away to Aston Villa on Wednesday night and one other slip-up this weekend would go away Arsenal inside touching distance of the league leaders.

Injuries might be an issue, nevertheless. John Stones has endured an injury-hit campaign along with his latest return lasting just five games, forced off after just 4 minutes against Real Madrid last night.

While City are still to verify the extent of the issue, the sight of the England international limping off surely leaves him a doubt for this weekend.

Stones joins Manuel Akanji within the injury list with the Switzerland international facing 10 weeks on the sidelines in consequence of the thigh injury he suffered in the primary leg defeat last week.

Erling Haaland was a part of the travelling squad in Madrid earlier this week but didn’t emerge from the bench despite his side desperation for goals.

FBL-EUR-C1-REAL MADRID-MAN CITY — Stones was forced off after just 4 minutes (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

The Norway international got here off with a knee issue against Newcastle United last weekend with City hopeful he may have shaken off the difficulty before Sunday.

Kevin de Bruyne was one other who didn’t emerge from the bench on Wednesday.

How Man City could line up this weekend…

Liverpool meanwhile are sweating on the fitness of Cody Gakpo. The Netherlands international has missed his side’s last two games after picking up a knock within the Merseyside derby thriller against Everton.

The forward remains to be to return to training with Arne Slot to make a late call on his availability.

How Liverpool could line up this weekend…

Joe Gomez is sidelined again having undergone hamstring surgery while Conor Bradley could also miss out after he picked up a knock within the draw at Villa.