Manchester City and Liverpool go head-to-head this weekend as the Premier League's top two meet at the Etihad Stadium.

Top-flight football returns on Saturday as we begin the run-in to Christmas, and talkSPORT will be on hand to provide live coverage of the biggest blockbuster.

Jurgen Klopp however is expecting some key faces back in action following a week off, as his side aim to continue their superb form this season.

The star striker picked up a knock while on international duty that forced him to miss Norway's game against Scotland on Sunday.

Ederson pulled out of the Brazil squad with an issue, meaning the goalkeeper is also a doubt.

John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne are both out while Mateo Kovacic, Nathan Ake and Sergio Gomez are likely to remain on the sidelines.

Kyle Walker will play at right-back while Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji complete the Man City defence.

Noel Gallagher reveals how Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had a go at him for not playing Golf Akanji has scored in three consecutive Premier League matches and will be out to add another to his growing tally this weekend.

Julian Alvarez has been a regular in a deeper role this season, however, he may not be ready to start this one.

Argentina play at midnight on Wednesday, meaning he is unlikely to be back in England until late in the week, giving him limited time ahead of the early kick-off.

With Kovacic out and Matheus Nunes set to be assessed, Phil Foden could move into a central position.

And up front, Haaland is likely to be fit to start despite his injury, with the issue not considered to be serious enough to keep him out.

Grealish and Doku have both been competing for minutes under Guardiola this season

Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones could all return from injury after missing the win over Brentford.

Alexis Mac Allister also returns from suspension, however, he may not be thrown straight back into the team...

Klopp is still going to be without Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic while Andy Robertson continues his recovery from shoulder surgery.

Alisson will, of course, start in goal.

TNT Sports

Mac Allister struggled due to a lack of fitness during a 12:30 kick-off after an international break Alexander-Arnold will play at right back and look to invert at times while Virgil van Dijk will be partnered by Joel Matip with Konate not rushed back.

Konstantinos Tsimikas provided two assists last time out and will start at left-back, although Joe Gomez remains an option should Klopp opt to go more defensive.

Due to Mac Allister's possible fatigue, Wataru Endo will sit in defensive midfield behind Dominik Szoboszlai.

Mohamed Salah will start on the right while Diogo Jota is expected to play ahead of Luis Diaz after doing so in the last game.

Darwin Nunez should keep his place up front, with Uruguay playing on Tuesday evening, allowing just enough time to recover.