The reigning Premier League champions host last season's runner-up on Monday, with Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City hosting Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. These sides meet on the back of opening day victories; City having downed Newcastle United 2-0 at St. James' Park while Liverpool narrowly beat Southampton at Anfield. However, with Liverpool having undergone massive squad turnover -- and lost their best player -- this summer, City are narrow favorites heading into the first massive game of the season.
Manchester City vs. Liverpool: Preview and TV schedule
Last season’s Premier League winners host the runners-up on Monday.
Key player - Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
When at his best, Manchester City striker Sergio Agüero is probably the best striker in the entire league. He’s a perfect blend of pace, power and superb technique, and usually makes the most of any goalscoring chances. Too often over the last year he’s struggled with injury problems, though he’s reportedly fit to start against Liverpool, and will no doubt prove to be City’s biggest attacking threat.
Key matchup - Yaya Touré vs. Steven Gerrard
One of Manchester City's greatest assets is their marauding midfielder Yaya Touré, whose incredible range of passing and sheer strength links the Citizens' defense with their attack -- and allows them to get away with playing just a couple of central midfielders in a fluid 4-4-2. Unfortunately for Liverpool, the man tasked with stopping him will probably be Steven Gerrard, whose defensive play is nothing short of woeful for a top team. If Touré wins that battle in the middle of the park -- and he should -- the Reds will struggle.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Álvaro Negredo (metatarsal). In doubt: None.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniel Agger, Jon Flanagan, Adam Lallana, Oussama Assaidi (knee). In doubt: José Enrique (knee)
City’s only absentee is striker Álvaro Negredo, though with Sergio Agüero and Edin Džeko both better players, they shouldn’t miss him too much. Liverpool will be without Daniel Agger, Jon Flanagan, Oussama Assaidi and summer arrival Adam Lallana through injury, and could miss left-back José Enrique, too.
Match Date/Time: Monday, 8 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2 (U.S.), TSN2 (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo (U.S. - Spanish), TSN Go (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
See More:
