Rodri made a surprise return to the Manchester City starting line-up for Sunday s blockbuster Premier League clash against Liverpool, with Claudio Bravo replacing injured goalkeeper Ederson as expected for the champions.
Spain midfielder Rodri has not featured since suffering a hamstring injury during City s 5-1 Champions League win over Atalanta last month but makes an ahead-of-schedule return at Anfield, where leaders Liverpool are aiming to extend their six-point advantage over Pep Guardiola s side.
A fitness setback during this week s return versus Atalanta might have the greatest impact upon City s prospects, with Ederson s thigh problem heralding a first top-flight appearance since May 2018 for Chile international Bravo, who was sent off after being introduced as a substitute at San Siro on Wednesday.
Angelino is the other eyebrow-raising inclusion in the City XI, with fellow left-back Benjamin Mendy not in the matchday squad.
David Silva, who limped out of last weekend s 2-1 win over Southampton, makes the bench.
How we’re lining-up at Anfield
Bravo, Walker, Stones, Fernandinho (C), Angelino, Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Sterling, Aguero
Subs | Carson, Jesus, Silva, Mahrez, Cancelo, Otamendi, Foden
— Manchester City (@ManCity)
By contrast, Liverpool line up as expected – Dejan Lovren partnering Virgil van Dijk at centre-back in Joel Matip s continued absence, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain s impressive Champions League outings have not been enough to dislodged either of Jordan Henderson or Georginio Wijnaldum in central midfield.
Fernandinho lines up at centre-back once more for Manchester City and, along with John Stones, the captain must lead the defensive effort to contain Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
Raheem Sterling – against his former team – and Bernardo Silva will flank Sergio Aguero in the City attack, with the club s all-time record scorer still searching for a first Anfield goal.
Today s team to face
— Liverpool FC (@LFC)
