City were not in action in the top flight last weekend, as they instead booked their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough. That game followed a disappointing goalless draw with Stoke City in front of their own supporters at the Etihad Stadium, a result which keeps them behind Tottenham Hotspur in second place on goal difference. Pep Guardiola's side are now out of the title race barring a remarkable and implausible implosion from table-toppers Chelsea, but the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss will be desperate to see his side secure a top-four finish in his debut campaign in English football.
Liverpool eked out a narrow 2-1 win against Burnley when they last took to the field, as Jurgen Klopp's charges moved five points clear of Arsenal in fifth spot - it is worth noting, though, that Arsene Wenger's men have two games in hand on the Merseysiders above them. It was an unconvincing display against a side who have amassed just two points away from home this term, with Liverpool producing one of their worst performances of the season in the first half and largely struggling to create clear-cut chances in the second 45 minutes. In a strange way, Klopp is probably not too displeased to be facing City this weekend, as his team look to extend their unbeaten record against their fellow top-six outfits in 2016/17.
Manchester City will have to make do without Gabriel Jesus (foot) and Ilkay Gundogan (knee), while club captain Vincent Kompany is a doubt with a muscular problem. Sergio Aguero will again be flanked by Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane, and Fernandinho could return to the starting XI in order to provide a greater degree of security in the centre of midfield.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be unable to call upon the services of Daniel Sturridge (hip), Jordan Henderson (foot) and long-term absentee Danny Ings (knee), but Roberto Firmino should return after missing the defeat of Burnley with a groin strain. Emre Can will continue in the deepest midfield role in Henderson's absence, while Dejan Lovren could resume his partnership with Joel Matip in the heart of the visitors' backline.
Taking everything into account, it is probably worth backing a draw with both teams to score at the Etihad Stadium. City and Liverpool have had their defensive issues throughout this campaign, but both are lethal going forward on their day and will fancy their chances of causing problems in the final third. Liverpool's counter-pressing approach has proven most effective against opponents who defend with a high line and attempt to play out from the back, but City also have enough firepower to pick up a point on Sunday afternoon. In the anytime goalscorer market, consider putting some money on Sane, who has found the net five times in his last 11 domestic appearances.
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