Guardiola to axe Gundogan in two changes – Man City predicted XI v Liverpool
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could be in line to drop Ilkay Gundogan in two changes for the clash with Liverpool on Sunday.
The Reds are set to travel to the Etihad Stadium on 23 February with both sides keen to get back on the winning track.
Arne Slot’s side came back from behind to secure a point away to Aston Villa on Wednesday, thanks to a deflected Trent Alexander-Arnold strike.
This was better than the Citizens who were dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid, thanks to a Kylian Mbappe hattrick at the Bernabeu.
The Premier League champions lost 3-1 but were arguably unlucky and will be hopeful of turning their chances to goals as they welcome the league leaders.
| Stat v Real Madrid | Manchester City |
| Shots | 12 |
| Shots on target | 4 |
| Big chances | 1 |
Pep Guardiola to axe Ilkay Gundogan for Manchester City v Liverpool
Despite dropping out of Europe’s elite competition, the side to face the Anfield club is likely to look largely similar.
This could see Ederson start in goal once again despite being dropped for Stefan Ortega in recent weeks.
Ahead of the Brazil international, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol could remain in the side but, after John Stones went off injured against Los Blancos, Nathan Ake could feature from the start at the Etihad.
The midfield trio could also remain similar against the Reds with Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva likely to feature ahead of Nico Gonzalez, who scored against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
This could also see Gundogan face the axe from Guardiola after a quiet performance against Real Madrid, having little impact in a disappointing defeat.
On the wings, Omar Marmoush and Savinho could be in line to start again after becoming two of the Citizens’ most important players in recent weeks.
Erling Haaland could come back into the side from the start after being an unused substitute at the Bernabeu with the hope of netting his 20th Premier League goal of the campaign.
Liverpool must deal with Erling Haaland threat v Manchester City
There is no doubt that the Norway international has had a difficult season at times but it says a lot that he has still contributed to 30 goals in all competitions.
It is fair to say that whoever joins Virgil van Dijk at the back will have to be on top form to deal with the threat that the 24-year-old poses.
With that being said, City now have Marmoush who is a danger in his own right after his first-half hattrick against Newcastle in his last Premier League outing.
Luckily for Liverpool, Salah is in the form of his life and will be hopeful of keeping up his electric form away at the Etihad to make it nine goals in eight games.