The biggest match of the Premier League season so far comes just three days into 2019 when Manchester City host Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.

The champions sit seven points adrift of the unbeaten league leaders and know that a fourth defeat in the space of six matches would see that deficit grow to double figures.

However, victory would take them to within four points of Jurgen Klopp's side, so it could be a make-or-break contest for City.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Pep Guardiola could line his side up for the match.

Out: Benjamin Mendy (knee), Fabian Delph (suspended), Claudio Bravo (Achilles), Eliaquim Mangala (knee)
Doubtful: Kevin De Bruyne (muscle), Ilkay Gundogan (unspecified)

City could be without Kevin De Bruyne for a second successive game after he was ruled out of the win over Southampton due to a minor muscle problem.

The Belgian will face a late fitness test ahead of this match, but should he not recover in time then Guardiola may stick with Bernardo Silva and David Silva, who linked up for the opening goal at St Mary's.

Fernandinho made a welcome return for the champions in that match and is expected to start again, despite Ilkay Gundogan being in contention after missing out against the Saints.

Leroy Sane is pushing for a recall along with the likes of Kyle Walker and John Stones, but Guardiola has depth throughout his squad with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez and Nicolas Otamendi also in contention to feature.

One area where City do find themselves a little short at the moment is left-back with Benjamin Mendy injured and Fabian Delph suspended, but Oleksandr Zinchenko is available once again.

> Click here to see how Liverpool could line up for this fixture