EPL: Liverpool and Man City clash in what could be the last match between Klopp and Guardiola

The Premier League 2023/24 will have the most anticipated match of recent months this weekend. Liverpool will face Manchester City, the reigning champions and third on the table with 62 points. The showdown will take place at the iconic Anfield stadium and could be Jürgen Klopp’s last match against Pep Guardiola in England (there could be another if they meet in the FA Cup). The German coach announced earlier this year that he would leave the club at the end of the season.

Sunday’s match will not determine the champion, but it could be pivotal come the final tally. Liverpool can dethrone Arsenal at the top of the table, conversely, City could climb to the top of the table with a win. A draw will maintain the difference between the two teams but would keep Arsenal on top of the table after their win on Saturday against Brentford. It’s a cracking three-horse race.

“When we play against City, they are always big matches,” Klopp said in the pre-match press conference. “Will it decide the title? I’m not sure whose idea that is. It’s still pretty early.

“I don’t think anyone will be popping champagne after the match, but the truth is that these are three very important points. We’re up against a great opponent, and we won’t hide the fact that we want to win, but we know how difficult it will be. It’s a big game, I understand that, and I’m excited.”

For this showdown at Anfield, Liverpool will once again have to field a team without a number of their first choice. How they have managed to maintain their position at the top of the league while winning the league cup, and progressing in the FA Cup and the Europa Cup is rather incredible. Against City, when you tend to need your first XI not only available but also performing at their best, Klopp is without nine players due to injuries, including key players Alisson Becker, Ibrahima Konaté, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota.

 The good news for the home team, everything is relative, is that their top scorer, Mohamed Salah, has recovered from his injury and may start alongside Colombian Luis Díaz and Uruguayan Darwin Núñez in the attacking trident. He played 16 minutes midweek against Sparta Prague in the Europa League.

On the Manchester City side, Guardiola will not be able to count on Jack Grealish due to a groin injury that will keep him out of action for at least two more weeks. In addition, Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes are major doubts, with the Portuguese player fracturing a finger on his left hand during the Champions League match. Unlike The Reds’ injury list, however, only Doku could be considered a regular starter.