PREDICTED LINEUP - MANCHESTER CITY VS LIVERPOOL - AKANJI AND STONES TO START, HAALAND ON THE BENCH.

Image courtesy of manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Manchester City are back after the international break, and it's a big game to kick things off.

The Blues will take on Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, with the visitors pushing for a place in the top 4, whilst the hosts are still very much battling Arsenal for the Premier League title. Liverpool's inconsistent form this season means this game is certainly nowhere near as big as it could've been, when it appeared it'd be an out and out 2 horse race for the title between these 2 sides.

Here's how we think the Blues will line up in this huge Premier League game:

Ederson will start between the sticks, despite there being slight concerns over his fitness due to an illness sustained on international duty with Brazil.

John Stones could line up in the "full back/midfield" role, as his versatility and comfort on the ball, plus his exceptional performance in this position against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League, makes him the ideal option at right back. Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake will make up the rest of the back 4.

Rodri will start at the base of midfield, as he has done in almost every game this season. Expect Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan to occupy the more advanced midfield positions, as City try to dominate Liverpool in midfield - a position they've struggled in this season.

Another way City can assert this dominance is by playing Bernardo Silva on the right wing, as he can come inside and help out whenever necessary. With Phil Foden's absence due to appendicitis, Jack Grealish is surely a certain pick at left wing. At centre forward however, it is difficult, due to Erling Haaland's major doubts concerning a groin injury. This is why we'll predict Julian Alvarez to start, with Haaland an option on the bench if necessary.

This will leave Stefan Ortega Moreno, Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis, Aymeric Laporte, Sergio Gomez, Kalvin Phillips, Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez and Erling Haaland on the bench.

CMON CITY!!!