Liverpool vs Manchester City lineups: Lovren returns for hosts while Mendy and Mahrez start

The lineups are out as Liverpool host Manchester City in what will be the fifth competitive meeting between the sides since the start of last season, with both sides tied up on 19 points after seven matches.

Naby Keita continues to miss out for the Reds, along with fellow summer signings Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri, meaning Alisson is the only new arrival in the hosts' starting XI.

Elsewhere Dejan Lovren has returned to the team for the first time in the league this season at the expense of Trent Alexander-Arnold, meaning Joe Gomez will move to right-back.

For the visitors, Benjamin Mendy returns to the starting lineup for the first time in over a month following injury and will be aiming to build upon a return of four assists in as many league outings so far this season.

Meanwhile Riyad Mahrez is also back in the XI in the Premier League for the first time since the start of September and gets the nod over both Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus.

Aymeric Laporte keeps his place in the starting XI as Manchester City’s only ever present outfielder in the Premier League this season having become one of Guardiola’s most trusted squad members.

Since arriving at the club on the penultimate day of the January window the Frenchman has started 16 of a possible 21 league matches, winning 15 and drawing the other. Of the five matches the defender has not started, City have dropped seven of a possible 15 points by comparison.