Manchester City v Liverpool: Premier League – live

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The table. It’s been a while, so let’s remind ourselves of the current state of play … and why both teams, for differing reasons, really could do with the three points this lunchtime.

… and now BT collar an equally cheery Jurgen Klopp. “Darwin Nunez had a little problem … he had a cut on his foot that is really uncomfortable … he’s now back in training so that’s why we start like we start … the main thing against City is to cut off the passing options between the lines … that is a massive challenge … we have had exactly one session with all the boys together [after the internationals] … [Klopp is asked if he would describe Liverpool’s season as a rollercoaster] … actually, a rollercoaster is a nice thing! … oh God … let us talk again after! … it’s not that the boys don’t want it, it just didn’t click in some games … some things developed a bit in a negative way, when we went 1-0 down the reaction was not great … because we are Liverpool and we used to be successful, but all of a sudden we are not there … it’s a process to fight against it in a confident way … but we have had sensational games this season too … [it’s pointed out Liverpool have the best record in a mini-league containing the top six] that’s a surprise, isn’t it! … you need to win against everybody and we were good at it, but this year we were not … there is still a lot to go for, and we will still try.”

A chirpy Pep Guardiola speaks to BT Sport. “Erling Haaland is much, much better but not fully fit for today … no risk … I am fully confident … another player is going to play … during the season these kind of things happen … [if City don’t win today] I have a feeling it will be more difficult! … but if we win we will be closer … in football many things can happen … we had a feeling last season that Liverpool would not drop many points and this is a feeling we have this season with Arsenal … we have to try to win … until the last moment we have a chance, we will fight … we have tough games ahead of us, them as well, so it is step by step … to still be in contention for other competitions, this is amazing … it is not easy … it makes me so happy … let’s try it.”

Erling Haaland hasn’t recovered from the groin injury he picked up while rattling in his sixth hat-trick of the season against Burnley in the FA Cup. He’s not in the squad, and one of six changes to the Manchester City side from that match. Ederson, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish and Manuel Akanji come in; Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis, Aymeric Laporte and Stefan Ortega drop to the bench, while Phil Foden is also on the recovery table alongside Haaland.

Liverpool make two changes to the XI named for their 1-0 defeat at Real Madrid two-and-a-half weeks ago. Jordan Henderson and Harvey Ellliott are back, with James Milner and Darwin Nunez dropping to the bench.

The teams

Manchester City: Ederson, Stones, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Grealish, Alvarez.
Subs: Ortega, Walker, Phillips, Laporte, Bernardo, Gomez, Perrone, Palmer, Lewis.

Liverpool: Alisson, Robertson, Van Dijk, Konate, Alexander-Arnold, Elliott, Henderson, Fabinho, Gakpo, Jota, Salah.
Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Milner, Firmino, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tsimikas, Nunez, Arthur, Matip.

Preamble

A rivalry that in recent years has defined the title race takes on a different flavour this season. Manchester City are still going for the big prize, and are desperate for three points that would keep them on Arsenal’s shoulder. Liverpool’s need for a win is no less great, although this time round their gimlet eye is trained on the comparatively modest achievement of fourth spot. Will the champions prevail? Can Liverpool keep on Tottenham and Newcastle’s tail? Is Erling hearty and hale? Answers to all these questions coming right up! Kick off is at 12.30pm BST. It’s on!