Liverpool's weekend started perfectly when their rival Arsenal slipped against West Ham. And things could be even better for the Reds.
Arne Slot's side are eight points clear of their closest opponents with 12 games left. The trip to the Etihad may be the most difficult challenge in theory, but it will largely depend on Erling Haaland's ability to play for Man City.
Haaland has scored in both of his meetings with Liverpool at the Etihad, but Man City will need to find an alternative if the Norwegian striker is not fit enough to play.
Man City
There have been times when Stefan Ortega has been trusted this season, but Ederson has returned solidly as the first choice in Man City's goal. However, the absence of John Stones and Manuel Akanji will affect The Citizens' defense.
Those injuries could see Nathan Ake take over as a centre-back. This could be Man City's only change from the Bernabeu defense. Nico Gonzalez scored Man City's first goal in that match and was expected to continue to start. Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne could replace Ilkay Gundogan.
If Haaland is not fit enough to start, Omar Marmoush will start after his hat-trick against Newcastle. Jeremy Doku was a midweek supply player, but could return to replace Savinho, with Phil Foden on the other wing.
Expected lineup: Ederson, Khusanov, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, De Bruyne, Nico, Silva, Foden, Marmoush, Doku.
Liverpool
Liverpool's impressive form in the Champions League has kept them from playing in midweek. However, they only got 1 point against Aston Villa and were not allowed to continue to stumble.
Alisson will continue in the goalkeeper position, with a back four including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson. Right-back Conor Bradley has played for some time recently, but was injured at Villa Park and had to sit out with Joe Gomez.
Luis Diaz is expected to return to the starting lineup of Slot. Curtis Jones could be benched, with Dominik Szoboszlai dropping to midfield.
Expected lineup: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz, Jota.
The match between Man City and Liverpool takes place at 11:30 p.m. on February 23 (Vietnam time).
