City’s starting XI and bench:
The Blues welcome back Sergio Aguero for this evening’s clash with John Stones also back in the starting XI.
Yaya Toure gets the nod alongside Fernandinho with Pablo Zabaleta and Aleks Kolarov the chosen full-backs against the Reds.
On paper, it looks like a 4-2-3-1 formation which has proved most successful this campaign for Pep Guardiola.
Out injured are Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan and Vincent Kompany while Nolito is rested. Fabian Delph is continues to build towards match fitness.
Team: Bravo, Zabaleta (c), Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Sterling, Silva, De Bruyne, Aguero
Subs: Caballero, Clichy, Sagna, Fernando, A Garcia, Iheanacho, Navas
Stats and milestones
- City are looking for a first Anfield success in 13 years.
- Liverpool have scored in their last 22 home games with City.
- Aguero has failed to score in any of his seven visits to Anfield - five with City and twice with Atletico Madrid.
- The Blues have only failed to score less than two goals in an away game once this season - the 2-0 loss against Spurs
- Jurgen Klopp has won just one meeting in eight games against Pep Guardiola, losing four and drawing three
Liverpool starting XI
Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Can, Lallana, Mane, Firmino
Subs: Karius, Moreno, Lucas, Alexander-Arnold, Ejaria, Origi, Sturridge
Pre-match quotes
Guardiola on Liverpool: “They are a contender for the title, definitely. I went to the game against Stoke and it was a good game.
“We have to equal their intensity - Anfield will play a big role.”
Klopp on City : “This is a very big game for both. Six clubs fight for four or one position. Each game is kind of a final.
“City have the highest quality in the team and highest quality on the bench. The advantage is that it’s at Anfield. We must try to use this. It will be really difficult for both teams.
“I’m really looking forward to it. We love playing against the best.”
