Despite the Premier League having, in the minds of many observers, been won by Chelsea months ago, their slip-up against Burnley last weekend allowed Manchester City to close their advantage at the top of the table for a mere five points. Suddenly, a grandstand finish to a title race that has been nigh-on non-existent isn’t out of the realms of possibility. But not if Liverpool have any say in the matter.
Liverpool vs. Manchester City live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
In-form Liverpool will seek to deal Manchester City’s title ambitions a blow at Anfield on Sunday.
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Despite being booted out of the Europa League away at Beşiktaş in midweek, Liverpool head into their game at home to City on Sunday in some pretty good form: Brendan Rodgers’ side haven’t lost a league game since being humiliated 3-0 by Manchester United midway through December. They’re not going to make life easy for City at Anfield, and came away with a thrilling 3-2 win in this fixture last season.
Key player - Yaya Touré (Manchester City)
Yaya Touré is the one player Manchester City have who causes problems from the centre of midfield. Not only are his teammates Fernando and Fernandinho not very good, they’re primarily defensive players, who aren’t going to lob the goalkeeper from 40 yards, or charge forward and play a defence-splitting pass. Without Yaya, City are infinitely worse off, and he could once again make the difference in this encounter.
Key matchup - Liverpool's attack vs. City's defence
Liverpool may have lost Luis Suárez in the summer, but they're still a team that looks much more comfortable when on the front foot. In Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling, they have three players who would probably get into every other team in the division with the exception of Chelsea. Against a City defence that hasn't exactly looked watertight this season, Brendan Rodgers will be expecting his side to score goals.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Jon Flanagan (knee), Brad Jones (thigh), Lucas Leiva (groin). In doubt: Steven Gerrard (hamstring), Glen Johnson (illness), Jordan Henderson (ankle), Mamadou Sakho (thigh).
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: None.
Liverpool will certainly be without goalkeeper Brad Jones, defender Jon Flanagan and midfielder Lucas Leiva, though they have a string of players who’ll be hoping to pass late fitness tests. Chief among them are their captain and vice-captain: Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson respectively. Manchester City should have a full-strength team available.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 7 a.m. ET, 12 p.m. local
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2 (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), TSN, RDS (Canada), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), TSN (Canada)
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