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Liverpool and Manchester City are set to clash at Anfield in a top-of-the-table showdown in the 2021-22 Premier League on Sunday.
The Reds are the only unbeaten side in the English top flight at the moment. They also have the best goal-scoring record after six games, finding the back of the net 15 times. Manchester City, meanwhile, have the best defensive record, conceding just once and keeping five consecutive clean sheets.
So the clash between two of the most in-form teams in the competition promises to be an exciting one. The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ilkay Gundogan are out because of injury. But there are plenty of players in both camps who could make a difference on Sunday.
On that note, here's a look at the five players from both teams to look out in this high-stakes fixture:
#5 Gabriel Jesus | Manchester City
Gabriel Jesus has been utilised on the wings by Pep Guardiola. The position seems to have brought out the best in the young Brazilian striker, as he has picked up three assists from that position. Jesus' performances also earned him the Manchester City Player of the month award for August.
He has found the back of the net twice in the league this season, including the winner against Chelsea. Jesus has featured in five of City's six games this season, making one appearance from the bench.
No other player has had more goal involvements this season for the Cityzens than Jesus. So he could be one to watch out for against Liverpool on Sunday.
#4 Virgil Van Dijk | Liverpool
Virgil Van Dijk missed Liverpool's last league game against Manchester City, which the Reds lost 4-1 at home. The Dutch international has been in good form this season after returning from a long injury layoff. So Liverpool will look for a better outcome against the reigning Premier League winners on Sunday.
Van Dijk has played every game for Liverpool this term, winning 4.3 aerials per 90 and has also completing 4.3 interceptions per game. He is known for launching long balls from defence into the final third. Van Dijk has also picked up an assist this term.
He picked out Mohamed Salah with a great ball against Crystal Palace, helping the Egyptian score Liverpool's second goal of the game.
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#3 Joao Cancelo | Manchester City
Joao Cancelo of Manchester City might be a key player against Liverpool on Sunday. He might not be one of the big-name City players. But the Portuguese full-back has been one of the most impressive players this season for the reigning champions.
He has proven his versatility. Despite being a right-back by trade, he has thrived in the left-back role this season, producing some match-winning performances from that position. Cancelo's brilliant runs on the left flank against Chelsea and RB Leipzig were particularly productive.
He will have a key role in keeping the in-form Salah in check, a key player battle that could be an enticing one.
#2 Sadio Mane | Liverpool
Sadio Mane has not hit the ground running this term, but he has still scored three goals. The Senegal forward was named in the AFCON Team of the 21st Century, a testament to his consistent performances under Jurgen Klopp.
Mane has a good record against the Premier League's big six teams, including five league goals against City in 14 games. So one can expect him to provide a goalscoring threat against City. Although Salah's scintillating form means he might overshadow Mane, the Senegalese can turn games on their head.
#1 Mohamed Salah | Liverpool
Mohamed Salah is one of the most in-form players in Europe at the moment. The Liverpool winger is leading almost every attacking stat in the Premier League this season, except for assists. Thanks to his blistering performances, Salah has been nominated for the Premier League's Player of the Month award for September.
He has scored five goals for Liverpool in the Premier League this season, and also bagged two assists. He was named to the AFCON Team of the 21st Century alongside Sadio Mane. He'll now hope to ensure Liverpool keep their unbeaten start to the league season intact when City come calling on Sunday.
City have the best defence in the league at the moment, not conceding a single goal since their 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of the campaign. Salah would love to be the guy to end City's streak of clean sheets in the league.
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