The Germany international’s season came to an end last December when he damaged his cruciate ligaments against Watford and has been sidelined ever since.
Team news and starting XI
Kyle Walker also returns following his one game suspension, but Vincent Kompany is out with a calf problem.
Raheem Sterling is suspended.
Team: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Mendy, Danilo, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Silva (c), Aguero, Jesus
Subs: Bravo, Foden, Mangala, Sane, Gundogan, Delph, Bernardo
Liverpool starting XI
Mignolet, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Klavan, Moreno, Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum, Salah, Mane, Firmino
Danilo in central defence?
Brazilian defender Danilo looks as though he’ll start as part of a three-man defensive unit.
Liverpool’s pace up front will test the Blues’ back-line with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino capable of causing any defence problems – not to mention former City striker Daniel Sturridge.
Danilo’s versatility has already seen him play at right and left-back this season.
Fast and furious?
On paper, it looks like there could be plenty of goals in this game.
Jürgen Klopp will expect City to come at his team and is likely to fight fire with fire and try and expose any spaces behind the attack-minded Benjamin Mendy and Kyle Walker.
But Liverpool have shown that while they are a potent attacking force, they are susceptible from set-pieces so the delivery of Kevin De Bruyne and skipper David Silva could be the key to City’s success.
Mersey beat?
Liverpool’s Premier League record against City is something of a cause for concern.
There have been 40 meetings in the Premier League era but the Blues have won on just seven occasions!
There have been 15 draws and 18 losses so City have failed to win on 33 occasions.
The Reds have triumphed on four of the last five meetings so it’s clear they enjoy playing against the blue half of Manchester.
Add the fact that Klopp has lost just once against in seven meetings with City as Liverpool and Dortmund boss (losing the Capital One Cup final) and... it’s time for a change!
Facts and figures…
Sergio Aguero will equal the Premier League record for scoring against the same side in six successive home games if he bags against Liverpool today – Kun has managed to find the net against the Reds in all his previous five Etihad matches.
Liverpool’s record against the teams that finished in the top seven is impressive to say the least, with 12 wins, nine draws and just one loss.
Former City midfielder James Milner has never been on the losing side in a Premier League game that he’s scored in – 37 wins and 10 draws.
