PREMIER LEAGUE action returns with a massive lunchtime battle between Manchester City and Liverpool with much more than just pride on the line.

Pep Guardiola’s men went into the international break in great goal-scoring form after thrashing RB Leipzig 7-0 before thumping Burnley with six.

But Manchester City’s involvement in the FA Cup quarter-final pushed them even further behind Arsenal, who stretched the lead at the top of the table to eight points with an emphatic Crystal Palace win.

The holders could be depleted though with critical squad members having picked up injuries which could see them miss this red hot league affair.

However, City are coming up against a Liverpool side who are winless in their last two after losing to Bournemouth and Real Madrid.

Guardiola will also be sweating over the fitness of goal machine Erling Haaland who withdrew from his international duties with Norway after picking up a groin injury and Phil Foden could be out for up to a month after undergoing surgery on his appendix.

For Liverpool, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez will need to be assessed ahead of the massive trip to the Etihad with minor issues, while Thiago is doubtful.

Talented youngster Stefan Bajcetic it seems is out for the season after sustaining a severe groin issue.

But Jurgen Klopp could hand Luis Diaz his first run out since before the World Cup as the tricky winger has returned to full training.