Manchester City host Liverpool in a heavyweight Premier League showdown at the Etihad this afternoon.
Arne Slot will remain without Alisson Becker in goal today but the Brazil international is expected to be available again for the visit of Nottingham Forest after the international break on 22 November.
Jeremie Frimpong is also sidelined with a hamstring injury that could keep him out until December.
Alexander Isak has missed Liverpool’s last four matches with a groin problem, last featuring almost three weeks ago.
Liverpool have been understandably cautious with their record signing who will return to train with the squad on Friday.
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Pep Guardiola meanwhile is not expecting any of his injured players to return in time this weekend, meaning Rodri is a major doubt.
The Spain international came off the bench late on against Bournemouth last weekend but was not included in the squad on Wednesday as City ran out easy winners against Borussia Dortmund.
Rayan Cherki, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva were rested midweek, suggesting they could be named in the starting XI this weekend.
Mateo Kovacic also remains sidelined.
With Arsenal already setting the pace, City and Liverpool are fighting to keep up with the Gunners after early wobbles.
Guardiola’s side have lost three of their 10 matches so far this term but a dominant win over high-flying Bournemouth last time out coupled with Erling Haaland’s magnificent form appears to have them on track.
Liverpool ended a run of four straight defeats in the Premier League at home to Aston Villa last weekend with victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League midweek steadying the ship.
Man City XI to face Liverpool – Metro prediction
Cherki will be desperate to get the chance to leave his mark in a true heavyweight Premier League contest and will hope to get the nod after his bright showings since returning from injury.
Liverpool XI to face Man City – Metro prediction
With Isak only just returning to training, Slot may not risk playing the Sweden international with Hugo Ekitike ready and available to lead the line.
There is also another big decision to make over Florian Wirtz but with Dominik Szoboszlai now so integral to the manager’s plans, the German could be benched for yet another high profile league game.
Man City vs Liverpool TV channel and kick-off time
Man City vs Liverpool takes place on Sunday 9 November with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm.
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
You can also follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE blog.