There’s just one point that separates the two teams at the summit of the table, but a win for either side could give them slight breathing space in their quest for silverware.

The two sides have shared the stage for years since their managers took to their respective thrones. Competing on all fronts. Premier League, Champions League, and even domestic competitions with the two sides set to meet at Wembley six days later.

But there hasn’t been a meeting that holds so much value as this since this intense rivalry began. Two teams with real quality and immense consistency battling out for three points that many believe will determine whose crowned Champions. 

Injury Updates

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that defender Ruben Dias is side-lined for this crunch match as the Portuguese International continues his recovery from injury that he suffered at the beginning of March.

A huge loss for the League Champions with Dias being a colossus since his arrival from S.L. Benfica. 

The citizens have coped well in Dias’ absence after keeping five clean sheets in their last seven outings. But when coming up against a Liverpool side with the attacking threat they hold, it’s without a doubt that Guardiola would love to have Dias in the side.

He will be out for ‘four to six weeks’, the manager confirmed

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that he has a full team available to him as he faced the media on Friday morning.

"The last time I looked on my smartphone, everyone was fine.”

The Liverpool faithful were handed a concern over Fabinho’s availability as the Brazilian suffered a cut to the head after a collision with former City player Nicolas Otamendi on Tuesday. 

With all concussion protocols followed, the midfielder has been given the green light to travel to the Ethiad Stadium on Sunday.

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Form Guide

Unsurprisingly, the two sides will take foot on the pitch at the Etihad in sublime form.

Liverpool have put together seventeen wins in their last eighteen games to claw back what seemed a monstrous task in catching up City, who looked a cert to get their hands on the league title once more. 

As for the current league leaders, they’ve only lost once in twenty-two games. 

Two incredible records by two immaculate teams. Justifying why it’s impossible to split the two sides and confidently predict the outcome of this so called ‘Premier League Final’.

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Previous Fixtures

A fixture that illustrates football at its highest fashion has provided some memorable moments in recent years. Mohammed Salah’s solo goal, Phil Foden’s Anfield masterclass and a league deciding goal-line clearance from John Stones.

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It has been a fixture that has leant into City’s favour recently with Liverpool only winning once since sending Guardiola’s side crashing out of the Champions League back in 2018. 

Liverpool’s 3-1 victory in 2019 is their only win since as City have had the edge with their most recent victory being when they dispatched the Reds to a 4-1 win inside an empty Anfield Stadium last year.

One to Watch

It’s obvious really that Kevin de Bruyne is one to look out for. But every player in that City team is a threat in their own way. From defence to Attack. Highlighting just why they continue to fight on all fronts.

But de Bruyne has that presence about him where you reckon he can produce a moment of magic from nowhere at any time. In midweek he proved just that as he found the net to beat a stubborn Atletico Madrid side in the Champions League.

The midfielder is the best in the world in his position on his day, which is very regular. He’s proven his danger to Liverpool on numerous occasions in the past, most recently an equaliser to salvage a point for City back in October.

There’s nothing stopping the Belgian from having a say in Sunday’s game and Liverpool’s defence will have to be switched on to prevent De Bruyne and co from hurting them.

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Where to watch?

Sunday’s game will be broadcasted on Sky Sports with the game kicking off at 4:30pm. 

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