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Sunday’s clash between Manchester City and Liverpool, while still a big clash, perhaps does not carry as much emotion as it did in previous seasons – where two sides were head and shoulders above the rest in pursuit of Premier League glory.

But there is still plenty on the line, With Liverpool aiming to extend their eight-point lead at the summit and Manchester City desperate to revive their faltering top-four ambitions.

The Spaniard faces significant selection headaches, particularly in defense.

John Stones’ early substitution in the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid compounded existing absences, with Manuel Akanji also sidelined.

This leaves Nathan Aké as Ruben Dias’ most likely partner at center-back.

Rodri’s continued absence deprives City of their midfield linchpin, while right-back remains a fluid position, with Rico Lewis, Matheus Nunes, and Abdukodir Khusanov vying for the role.

City’s 3-1 Champions League exit to Real Madrid marked their earliest departure from the competition in 12 years, and the heavy 6-3 aggregate defeat makes it 14 goals conceded in their last six games.

Of course, it will be just like the Cityzens to now play some of their best football this season against the Reds on Sunday.

The reverse fixture in December 2024 saw Liverpool triumph 2-0 at Anfield, with Gakpo and Salah on the scoresheet.

Notably, City’s last home win against Liverpool in the league dates back to November 2015, a statistic Guardiola will be keen to overturn.

But ahead of the clash, Pep Guardiola has had some words of praise for his weekend opponents.

What did Pep Guardiola say about Liverpool?

Speaking after his sides exit at the hands of Real Madrid, the Spaniard believes that while Madrid are favourites for the Champions League, the likes of Liverpool, Barcelona, and even PSG could change the narrative:

“Of course Madrid are a contender, definitely,’ Guardiola said.

There are other teams who are having a very good season but Madrid are always favourites.”

“There are other teams that are playing very well.

Liverpool are having a really good season up until now, Barcelona are amazing, Paris Saint-Germain, with my friend Luis [Enrique] in charge, are on the march.”:

“But obviously, Madrid are favourites”

Guardiola added on the balance of the two ties between Los Blancos:

‘The best team won?

They deserved it.

‘This season we haven’t been so good – I felt that, in the previous seasons, we were better than Madrid, but this time not so.

Read More: Pep Guardiola reveals extent of Erling Haaland injury ahead of Liverpool clash

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