Preview: Manchester City vs Liverpool, Guardiola seeks first home win

Bengaluru, September 7: We have a blockbuster match on our hands as Premier League football returns after the international break and the first game of the matchweek four promises to be an entertainer as two of the most attacking sides in the league go head to head.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Jurgne Klopp’s Liverpool battle early on Saturday (September 9, 5 PM IST) as the league title contenders face off at the Etihad.

Both sides as expected sit in the top four after collecting seven points from their opening three games, but City are still searching for their first home win after being held to a 1-1 draw by Everton on matchday 2.

While, Liverpool have won both their home games - including a 4-0 demolition of Arsenal - but drew their only away game in a chaotic 3-3 draw at Watford on the opening day of the campaign.

Liverpool have not lost any of their last five matches against Manchester City. The Cityzens have not recorded a Premier League win over Liverpool since August 2014, when they won 3-1 at the Etihad. They have however beaten them on penalties since then in the 2016 League Cup final.

Pep Guardiola is yet to get the better of Jurgen Klopp since his arrival to the Premier League last season and will be keen to get his first three points against his rival.

Team news

Manchester City: Ilkay Gundogan is missing with a knee injury while Kyle Walker is once again eligible after serving one-game suspension.

Liverpool: Philippe Coutinho could feature for Liverpool after the playmaker - yet to play for Klopp this season following his transfer request amid Barcelona's unsuccessful interest - turned out for Brazil on international duty. New signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also likely to make his debut.

Adam Lallana (thigh) and Nathaniel Clyne (hamstring) are expected to miss out. Klopp rested Simon Mignolet against Arsenal, but is still likely to start the Belgian goalkeeper ahead of Loris Karius against City.

Predicted lineups

Man City (4-3-3)- Ederson; Walker,Kompany,Otamendi,Mendy; Fernandinho, De Bruyne, David Silva; Bernardo Silva, Jesus, Sane

Liverpool (4-3-3)- Mignolet; Gomez, Matip, Lovren, Moreno; Can, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane

The live telecast will be available on Star Sports Select 1 at 5 PM IST.