Jesus back, Thiago in contention? How both Man City and Liverpool could line up

Emmet Gates

Both Liverpool and Manchester City are missing key players ahead of Sunday's big Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.

We'll know more after both managers have given their press conferences on Friday, but we already have information on players who are in and out.

Pep Guardiola will have to do without Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho and Benjamin Mendy, however striker Gabriel Jesus is expected to return after scoring in mid-week against Olympiakos in the Champions League.

We could see City line up in a similar way to their midweek win against the Greeks; Ruben Dias should return to the centre of defence after impressing since his arrival from Benfica with John Stones likely the one to make way.

Gabriel Jesus could return to the starting line-up given his goal in mid-week, while Ferran Torres could make way, or Phil Foden, who has been rotated in and out for Europe and domestic duties of late.

For Liverpool, meanwhile, the reigning champions are still without defender Virgil van Dijk, and midfielders Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Thiago Alcantara is also expected to miss out through injury, however Naby Keita and Joel Matip returned to the squad for the 5-0 mauling of Atalanta and could feature.

2020/21 Man City: Squad, FC Ratings, Matches, Formations

2020/21 Liverpool: Squad, FC Ratings, Matches, Formations

Liverpool meanwhile will most likely remain unchanged from their sublime performance in Bergamo against Atalanta on Tuesday evening.

Diogo Jota is pushing hard for a start in the aftermath of his hat-trick in that clash. Jurgen Klopp could however remain faithful to his usual front trio, and therefore Roberto Firmino could return to the starting XI in one is likely to be one of the biggest games of the season.

Predicted Man City XI v Liverpool

Predicted Liverpool XI v Man City

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