The Manchester City lineup that should start against Liverpool

Liverpool vs. Manchester City has been a crucial fixture in the Premier League title race for a few seasons now, though Sunday's clash has a very different feel to it.

Pep Guardiola's side have the opportunity to all but end the Reds' title hopes, with a City victory leaving the champions ten points adrift of top spot.

However, a Liverpool victory would leave them just four points behind City - not to mention providing them with some much-needed momentum - and Guardiola will no doubt be desperate not to allow Klopp's side a foothold back in the race for the Premier League crown.

Here's how City could start the game.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Ederson (GK) - Likely to be called into action much more than he has been in City's last few games against Burnley and Sheffield United.

Joao Cancelo (RB) - The Portugal international has emerged as a key player for City this season. His ability to move into midfield when his side are in possession has left a number of opposition managers struggling to adapt to City's fluidity.

John Stones (CB) - Enjoying a superb renaissance to his City career. Looks a shadow of the shaky player we've seen in recent seasons and seems to be relishing his role next to Ruben Dias.

Ruben Dias (CB) - Guardiola was keen to praise his entire team when discussing City's new-found defensive solidarity this week, though he couldn't help but laud Dias' contribution. His leadership skills and ability to sense danger have undoubtedly contributed to their impressive form of late.

Aymeric Laporte (LB) - Started at left-back against Burnley and performed well. May well be asked to do the same at Anfield in a bid to curtail Liverpool's flying full-backs.

2. Midfielders

Rodri (DM) - The former Atletico Madrid man has missed just one Premier League outing this season and he looks to be settling into his role in the City midfield having initially struggled to adapt to life in English football.

Ilkay Gundogan (CM) - The German international has been one of City's standout players this campaign and his ability on the ball will be huge in the absence of midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne.

Bernardo Silva (CM) - Having recently moved back into a midfield three, Silva looks much more like the player we've become accustomed to since signing for City in 2017. His guile and work rate could play a huge part in determining which midfield comes out on top at Anfield.

3. Forwards

Phil Foden (RW) - Having been named as an unused substitute for the win over Burnley, Foden is likely to be afforded his chance from the off ahead of Riyad Mahrez.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) - The Brazilian hasn't really staked his claim to be City's main man in Sergio Aguero's absence, though two goals in his last two games will have boosted his confidence ahead of this huge clash.

Raheem Sterling (LW) - Another who found himself on the scoresheet in midweek and who could be key to testing Liverpool's injury-hampered backline.