Man City nemesis set to return from injury at perfect time for Liverpool and worst for Pep Guardiola

Manchester City know they have to do something they haven't done in a long time on Sunday. Beat Liverpool - in front of their fans - at Anfield.

City's only win in their last 22 visits to the red side of Stanley Park came behind-closed-doors, when Phil Foden inspired a brilliant 4-1 win. That was one of the first 'big' games where Foden stepped up and showed his world-class quality. Now he's doing that every week, with the Manchester derby the latest stage for him to take control of.

If City want to win the Premier League, they probably have to go and win at Anfield. They certainly cannot lose. So to see Mohamed Salah in the frame to return from injury is not a great way to start the week given the Egyptian's fine form against City at home.

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Salah has been out for 12 of the last 13 games after representing Egypt at the African Cup of Nations, before returning with a persistent thigh injury. He played 47 minutes against Brentford last month - scoring and assisting - but has missed the last four games including the Carabao Cup final.

Salah has scored in five of the six previous Premier League clashes between the teams at Anfield, as well as a strike at home in the Champions League in 2018 that City would rather forget. He has 11 goals and six assists agaisnt City in 20 career meetings, and there's no doubt that Liverpool are lifted and play better when he is in the team.

If City go to Liverpool and face Harvey Elliott on the right wing, it would give Nathan Ake a far easier task than if Salah is lining