Predicted lineups: Man City drops Grealish in favor of Salah as Salah returns for Liverpool.

This weekend’s matchup between Premier League title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City will be crucial to the season.

The Reds are the only team to challenge Pep Guardiola’s dominance in the English Premier League, having upset City’s previous six championships with their lone victory in 2019–20.

Pep and Klopp have a fierce rivalry

Now that they are one point clear of Man City at the top of the league, Jurgen Klopp’s team has the opportunity to repeat that accomplishment.

Darwin Nunez’s late winner over Nottingham Forest last time out meant Liverpool retained the initiative ahead of the title showdown at Anfield.

However, a win for Man City, who smashed neighbours Manchester United 3-1 on Sunday, would give them the advantage for the first time this campaign.

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah‘s return will be the biggest boost to Liverpool’s chances, with the Egyptian desperate to put his injury worries behind him.

The Reds talisman scored and assisted on his return from a hamstring issue in a 4-1 win at Brentford on February 17.

However, he suffered muscle fatigue that has since sidelined him for wins over Luton, Chelsea, Southampton and Nottingham Forest.

Salah has been a huge miss for Liverpool

The 31-year-old is expected to return to full training this week and will likely be rested for the Europa League round of 16 first-leg meeting with Sparta Prague on Thursday to take his place here.

Nunez scored on his return from injury against Forest and will lead the line, with the ever-present Luis Diaz on the opposite flank.

Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Andy Robertson all recovered from various injuries and illnesses to feature at The City Ground as well.

All three will be expected to start against Man City, with the former two part of Klopp’s midfield three alongside Alexis Mac Alister.

Nunez scored a controversial late winner for Liverpool

Robertson’s fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a key miss after re-injuring his knee against Burnley a month ago, with youngster Conor Bradley continuing to deputise at right-back.

Klopp also has the option of deploying Joe Gomez on either side for more defensive security against City, but Ibrahima Konate will partner captain Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence.

Elsewhere, Caoimhin Kelleher will retain the role in goal with Alisson Becker nursing a hamstring injury.

Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones are still in the treatment room, while Ryan Gravenberch will miss out after being stretched off at Wembley.

Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, and Ben Doak are all confirmed long-term absentees.

Liverpool are beginning to escape their injury crisis

Man City

In contrast, Guardiola almost has a clean bill of health to contend with, but several tactical tweaks to consider.

The Spaniard’s unorthodox defence has found real form in recent weeks, with John Stones pushed into a double-pivot in midfield alongside Rodri when City are in possession.

That allows England teammate Kyle Walker to help shape a back three in front of Ederson.

Ruben Dias will maintain his ever-present role in the centre of defence, with Nathan Ake again preferred over Manuel Akanji.

Josko Gvardiol would provide some competition for a place, but he has yet to start a Premier League game since recovering from injury.

City once again secured the bragging rights but more importantly, kept up with title rivals Liverpool

Jack Grealish probably won’t play any part due to another groin issue that saw him miss the Manchester derby victory last weekend.

However, his replacement Jeremy Doku struggled once more to replicate his early season form.

The 21-year-old has not registered a Premier League goal or assist since early November, blanking in his last 11 top-flight appearances.

That will likely open the door for Julian Alvarez to reclaim his starting berth in the side, with Bernardo Silva pushed out to the wing.

On the opposite flank will be the in-form Phil Foden who is playing some of the best football of his career at the moment.

And talisman Kevin De Bruyne will operate in behind Erling Haaland.

Guardiola has a huge decision to make.