LONDON (Reuters) - The Champions League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City will be thrilling at Anfield on Sunday.
If the history of the two teams can be drawn from last season's clashes, fans are likely to see a closed-door game, with City manager Pep Guardiola seeking to limit Liverpool's strength.
Last season, the Citizens performed poorly, losing 3-0 at Anfield in the Champions League, but were then held to a goalless draw in the first round.
Since City had not won a league win at Anfield in 16 years, the team was satisfied with the strategy, which would have worked well if Algerian referee Riad Mehrez scored a penalty awarded in the 85th minute.
The "philosopher's coach" relied on the convergence of lines and numerical density in the central region to deprive the Liverpool attack trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah from the passes from the midfield. He is likely to look to frustrate Jurgen Klopp's team again.
However, the "heavenly" team suffered a heavy blow by losing the efforts of defensive midfielder Rodri. Guardiola will have to decide whether to push Fernandinho to midfield or to rely on Ilkay Gundogan to protect the defense.
The Spaniard relied on Fernandinho temporarily at the center of the defense and played this role efficiently in the absence of Emerick Laport, but the restoration of John Stones fitness gave the coach the opportunity to use Fernandinho in his favorite position.
The problem is that Fernandinho's absence from City's defense may mean that Nicolas Otamendi will return to defense, but his presence alongside Stones gives the team little confidence.
The pair caused City's only 3-2 defeat at Norwich City in September.
Otamendi also took part in Manchester City's only other home defeat this season against Wolverhampton Wanderers.