Man City vs Liverpool – Premier League: Live score, team news and updates as Jack Grealish is NOT involved in the champions’ matchday squad – with Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones return in midfield for Jurgen Klopp’s side
Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Manchester City host Liverpool in a top-of-the-table clash in the Premier League.
City stars are gearing up for the action
Was Haaland’s participation ever in any doubt?
Klopp looks forward to 'super special game'
‘I don’t know if it’s a rivalry or not but it’s a super special game.’ He told Sky Sports. ‘You dream of being part of these kind of games – two really exceptional football teams. Preparing for these games is special. If you don’t watch these games, what would you do? I understand it from a supporters’ point of view.
‘We have to make sure all the special things don’t deny the absolute normal things you have to do.
‘A lot of games we defended quite well to a specific point but the only way is in possession – we have to play as well. The goals we scored were very team goals, a minute in possession, something City are not used to and you have to try.
Not long left to wait…
The action gets underway in around 20 minutes in Manchester. It promises to be a thrilling clash!
It's tight at the top
This season is shaping up to be a thriller with the top four separated by just two points.
Arsenal fans will have an eye on this one as a draw could open the door for them to return to the Premier League summit later tonight.
Liverpool players are warming up
Mohamed Salah arrives at the Etihad in confident mood after impressing while on international duty with Egypt.
The forward’s goal tally in the league is only bettered by Erling Haaland and he is forming a devestating combo with Darwin Nunez.
Guardiola expects a completely different game to last season
‘John is not ready but is on the bench.’ He told Sky Sports. ‘It is what it is.
Tight games, we win, we lose, we compete. We were so so tight two or three times, the quality of the manager and the players is always there. It’s always tough.
‘It’s completely different [to last season].
‘We prepare in the same way, knowing what they do and what happened in the past. Liverpool play differently so you have to adapt and adjust, but in terms of preparation is the same.’
Grealish's absence explained
According to The Athletic’s Sam Lee, the England international misses the game due to illness.
While City fans won’t be happy to see him no involved, it is some relief that his omission is not down to injury
Alisson claims Liverpool are 'excited' for City challenge
‘We do [feel differently than they did in April match]. It’s a different challenge, new season, new players came in.’ The Brazilian told Sky Sports. ‘We are really excited. The effort, the quality of the players that the club brought in, is amazing.
‘We believe we can do something special.Coming here to play Man City, they’re still one of the best teams in the world, but for ourselves is a new challenge, first time for a few players playing against them at their ground.
‘You don’t know what will happen but we are excited and we have a lot of desire to win the game with all due respect for the other team.’
Liverpool team news
Jurgen Klopp has sprung a few suprises in his line-up, bringing back Jones in midfield. Jota gets rewarded for his fine form in place of Diaz and Matip makes his 200th appearance for the Reds.
Man City team news
Most of City’s injury worries have made the cut to start including Ederson, Ake – who comes in for Gvardiol at left back – and Haaland.
Stones also returns to the squad, while Doku gets the nod and NO Grealish.
Neville sceptical of Liverpool's title chances
The former Manchester United defender believes that the next few months will be vital in deciding who will win the Premier League this term.
‘These next four months are where the pretenders fall away.’ He said on Sky Sports. ‘I don’t think we’re watching champions in Jurgen Klopp’s team but we’re watching a team that could potentially be champions in the next couple of years.’
Some interesting facts…
Aguero shows his true colours
All the way in Abu Dhabi, Man City legend Sergio Aguero is showing his support for his former team by sporting a custom race suit at the final Grand Prix weekend of the F1 calendar.
John Stones back in the squad
There’s some good early news for City. Stones is back in the squad. The England defender has been a massive miss in recent weeks as he was forced to the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Hello and welcome!
To Mail Sport’s live coverage of the heavyweight Premier League showdown between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad.
The league’s return following the international break gets off to one hell of a start with a meeting of the top two in a fixture that has produced immense quality in the past.
Contrary to their encounters last season, the side’s go into the game relatively well matched, although the Reds haven’t tasted victory at the home of the champions in nearly a decade.
We’ll have all the updates for you ahead of kick-off at 12.30pm, including team news and quotes from the managers.
And then we’ll be here for all the match action once it gets underway. Let’s get going!
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