Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini could hand a start to striker Sergio Aguero for his side's match with Liverpool.

The Argentine forward began last weekend's 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on the bench, but after scoring at St James' Park, he could be preferred to Stevan Jovetic.

Right-back Pablo Zabaleta is also likely to return to the side, with Gael Clichy or Aleksandar Kolarov dropping out.

Liverpool are on the brink of signing Mario Balotelli from AC Milan, but the former City striker won't be registered in time to face his old club.

New signings Lazar Markovic and Alberto Moreno are likely to make the 18-man squad but manager Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to tinker with the team that beat Southampton last Sunday.

Recent form

Manchester City: W

Liverpool: W

Possible starting lineups

Manchester City: Hart; Kolarov, Demichelis, Zabaleta, Kompany; Nasri, Fernando, Toure, Silva; Dzeko, Aguero

Liverpool: Mignolet; Manquillo, Johnson, Skrtel, Lovren; Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard, Coutinho, Sterling; Sturridge

Sports Mole says: 2-1

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