Looking to bounce back from their draw against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, Manchester City travel to the Anfield for a clash with Liverpool - who were one point away from lifting the Premier League trophy last season.
Manchester City came away from the Danish capital in midweek with a draw and as such, a single point, which proved to be enough to book the Blues' place in the round of 16 for the 10th straight season following Borussia Dortmund's draw with Sevilla later on in the evening.
City had two chances to take the lead, with the first occurring 11 minutes into the match as Rodri scorched a ball into the roof of the net, before the goal was disallowed by VAR after Riyad Mahrez’s hand had touched the ball in the build-up.
The Cityzens' next chance came not too long after, when Nicolai Boilesen’s shoulder had made contact with the ball during the defender’s duel with Manuel Akanji over a header, resulting in a Manchester City penalty.
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Riyad Mahrez's strike from the spot was swatted away by Kamil Grabara, keeping the game level.
The last real flicker of action in the first half occurred in the 30th minute, when Sergio Gomez received a direct red card after bringing down FC Copenhagen forward Hákon Haraldsson as closed down on the City goal.
Despite being down to 10 men, Pep Guardiola’s side still managed to create opportunities in the second half, none of which resulted in a goal.
On the other side of this weekend's clash is Liverpool, whom Manchester City shared the top of the table with last season right up until the final day, where the Cityzens lifted the trophy after defeating Aston Villa on the final day.
Unlike last campaign, Jurgen Klopp has got off to a difficult start to the ongoing season, only managing to pick up two wins prior to Sunday’s clash.
Such struggles were not evident in midweek however, with Liverpool recording a staggering 1-7 victory over Rangers in the Champions League.
The thrashing featured a hat trick from Mohamed Salah, a brace from Roberto Firmino, and goals from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliot.
Pep Guardiola will go in to Sunday’s clash against Jurgen Klopp without the England trio of John Stones, Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips, as they all continue their recovery from respective injuries.
For Klopp, the German coach will have to take on the defending Premier League champions without Trent Alexander Arnold, Joel Matip, and Luis Diaz, while Ibrahima Konate faces a late fitness test.
Where?
The first meeting between of the new season between Liverpool and Manchester City will be held at Anfield on Merseyside.
When?
The Premier League clash is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 16th October at 16:30 BST.
How to Watch?
For viewers in the United Kingdom, you can tune into the battle on Sky Sports.
For viewers in the United States, you can watch the latest chapter of the Cityzens' rivalry on USA Network, with kick-off scheduled for 11:30 EST.
Topics: Liverpool, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Anfield
Declan Harris