Izuchukwu E.N
Erling Haaland’s exclusion from Manchester City is the big story. The Norwegian is not participating despite Pep Guardiola’s cryptic comments regarding his possible participation after suffering a groin injury. For Liverpool, it will be a comfort.
Haaland’s absence means Julian Alvarez will lead the line for Guardiola, who looks set to use John Stones and Nathan Ake as his full-backs. Kevin de Bruyne starts having been benched for City’s last Premier League game, the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on March 11.
No huge surprises in the Liverpool team, but Diogo Jota gets the nod to lead the line ahead of Darwin Nunez, who is on the bench. Jota will be flanked by Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
In midfield, Jordan Henderson returns having been on the bench for Liverpool’s last Premier League game, the 1-0 loss to Bournemouth on March 11. Harvey Elliott and Fabinho make up the rest of the midfield three.
The back four is as expected, with Ibrahima Konate again preferred to Joel Matip. Luis Diaz is still not fit enough to feature in the squad despite his recent return to training.
Liverpool team news
Liverpool team to face Man City: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Elliott, Gakpo, Jota, Salah.
Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Milner, Firmino, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tsimikas, Nunez, Arthur, Matip.
Man City team news
Man City team to face Liverpool: Ederson, Stones, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Grealish, Mahrez, Alvarez.
Subs: Ortega, Walker, Phillips, Laporte, Silva, Gomez, Perrone, Palmer, Lewis.
