Manchester City host Liverpool in crucial FA Cup quarter-final tie
Manchester City will welcome Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium this Saturday in a blockbuster FA Cup quarter-final clash as both sides chase major domestic silverware.
Pep Guardiola’s side enter the early afternoon kick-off aiming to keep their hopes of a remarkable domestic cup double alive.
The current Carabao Cup holders recently secured that trophy with a hard-fought victory over Arsenal at Wembley.
In contrast, the visiting Merseyside outfit are looking to bounce back immediately following a damaging Premier League defeat to Brighton.
Injury concerns for Guardiola
The hosts are currently sweating on the fitness of key defensive duo Ruben Dias and John Stones ahead of the weekend.
Dias missed the recent cup final triumph over Arsenal due to a hamstring issue and remained absent during the international break.
Stones subsequently withdrew from the England squad with a minor knock, leaving his availability for this crucial tie in serious doubt.
However, recent defensive addition Marc Guehi is eligible to feature for the home side despite playing for Crystal Palace earlier in the competition.
Attacking boost for the Reds
The visitors could welcome back talismanic forward Mohamed Salah, who recently confirmed his intention to leave the club at the end of the season.
Swedish international Alexander Isak is also returning to training, offering a significant attacking boost for a team facing a congested fixture list.
First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker might return between the posts, though full-back Jeremie Frimpong picked up a knock while representing the Netherlands.
A defining week approaches
This quarter-final tie marks the beginning of a season-defining ten-day period for the away side.
Following their trip to Manchester, they face a daunting Champions League double-header against French champions Paris St-Germain.
With their push for a top-four league finish stuttering, progression in the FA Cup represents a vital opportunity to ensure a successful conclusion to the campaign.
