Manchester City take on old rivals Liverpool on Sunday in what could be a pivotal Premier League clash.
Despite Liverpool's poor start to the season - they sit down in 10th with only two wins to their name - Pep Guardiola maintains that they are still City's main title rivals. A victory would certainly see the Blues land a big blow in the race for top spot then as they would go 16 points ahead of the Merseyside outfit.
Jurgen Klopp's side did have a galvanising result midweek, though, as they smashed Rangers 7-1 in the Champions League, while City had a difficult evening in Denmark where they had to hold on for a 0-0 draw with FC Copenhagen after being reduced to 10 men.
ALSO READ: Man City give injury update ahead of Liverpool clash
Both teams go into the heavyweight bout with injury issues, especially Liverpool. The Reds are without seven key players as Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, Arthur and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all sidelined.
City, meanwhile, are still without England trio Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips and John Stones. There is positive news as Erling Haaland is ready to go after remaining on the bench in Copenhagen following complaints of fatigue.
Here's how MEN Sport writers believe City should line up for the game and pick your own team in the widget below.
Joe Bray
There are big decisions for Guardiola to make all over the pitch, starting in defence. Sergio Gomez probably played his way out of contention, and Manuel Akanji did well enough last week to show he'll be solid enough at right-back against Mo Salah. Aymeric Laporte looked tired at the end vs Copenhagen, so Nathan Ake deserves a chance to come in.
Kevin De Bruyne was taken off before full time in Denmark, while Ilkay Gundogan may be needed to help win the midfield battle after some impressive performances at Anfield in recent seasons. I'd also put Bernardo Silva in, but have him out wide as Guardiola has done in other 'big' games.
That means Phil Foden can spend some time back on the left wing, where he's scored twice in his last two visits to Anfield. He can swap with Bernardo to recreate his dangerous partnership with De Bruyne so City can get the best out of a player who is in better form this season on the right but has proven to be effective against Liverpool on the left.
Daniel Murphy
After making steady progress initially, Sergio Gomez has done his hopes of playing in big matches a world of hurt with his foolish red card in Denmark so Joao Cancelo will be moving back over to the left with Manuel Akanji in at right-back. Aymeric Laporte looked exhausted at the end of Tuesday's game so Nathan Ake should start alongside Ruben Dias.
The midfield picks itself with Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and Bernardo Silva all starting so the only selection I'm torn on is in the attacking three. Phil Foden should start, obviously, but which side?
Though he has played well on the right this season, Foden has had so much joy on the left against Liverpool in recent outings and could do so again with Jurgen Klopp forced to play centre-back Joe Gomez at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold injured. But that would mean Riyad Mahrez coming in, which would be harsh on Jack Grealish.
Though I would be tempted to go with what's worked previously against Liverpool, you can't discount recent form and Grealish, Haaland, Foden is clearly the best front three at present.
Alex Brotherton
The big news for City is that Erling Haaland is ready and raring to go having sat out Tuesday's draw in Copenhagen. Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden also benefitted from starting on the bench midweek having complained of tiredness, so they should come into the XI too.
Manuel Akanji impressed at right-back against Southampton last weekend so he looks to be the best option to deputise for the injured Kyle Walker. Sergio Gomez' foolish sending-off in midweek might make Guardiola think twice about starting the youngster in any big games any time soon, meaning Joao Cancelo should take up his usual left-back role.
Jack Grealish didn't have his greatest performance against Copenhagen, but in recent weeks he has been in fine form. That Guardiola rested him last weekend suggests he intends to start him at Anfield, and the same can be said of Ruben Dias who was omitted from the starting XI on Tuesday.
Make your own selection and see what other fans choose below:
READ NEXT:
