Man City can keep Liverpool guessing with Champions League selection

Liverpool looming

Pep Guardiola would surely not countenance talk that Liverpool is the bigger game this week because of the need to secure Champions League qualification.

Manchester City can book their place in the last-16 by defeating a side they walloped 5-0 last week, and their manager treats this as the first milestone of the season. However, given they are clearly better than their Danish opponents they should also be able to use the European match to prepare for what will have been the biggest fixture circled in their calendar this season: a trip to Anfield.

The form of the two teams gives the Blues a real possibility of building an unreachable lead on Sunday after just a quarter of the season - something unthinkable after the Community Shield. Win and the gap will be 16 points.

Also read: Guardiola is set for new City test amid Arsenal challenge

City's defensive problems could mean Guardiola wants to give the shape and players he is going to use a dry run against Copenhagen. However, the way Manu Akanji was able to drop in at right-back against Southampton after just one training session means that the City manager has the option to keep his cards close to his chest and keep Liverpool guessing by going with something different on Tuesday night.

Palmer vs Mahrez

City are already at the stage of their Champions League qualification where Cole Palmer will be looking to get as many minutes as possible. However, his best position is also the preferred spot of Riyad Mahrez and the experienced City star also needs to play his way back into form.

Palmer has played on the left a lot so could be accommodated there even though it is not the best use of him, but whoever is chosen to start on the right will give an