Virgil van Dijk v Gabriel Jesus

Liverpool made Virgil van Dijk the most expensive defender in the world with games like Wednesday night’s in mind. The £75m hasn’t really been tested since his world record move to Anfield in January. Van Dijk was sidelined for Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Manchester City in the Premier League two months ago. The Netherlands international will be tasked with keeping tabs on Gabriel Jesus in the absence of Sergio Aguero. Van Dijk has the pace to match the Brazilian forward. Gabriel, meanwhile, will be expected to close down from the front to prevent Van Dijk from playing out.

Jordan Henderson v Kevin De Bruyne

Jordan Henderson should start in a holding role when the Premier League leaders visit Anfield on Wednesday. The England international isn’t a natural defensive midfielder but has done well in the position this term. However, Henderson will come up against one of the leading contenders to win the PFA player of the year award. Kevin De Bruyne likes to drift into wide positions and whip in his trademark crosses for Manchester City’s front three. Henderson will have to show discipline and tenacity to track De Bruyne’s surging runs.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold v Leroy Sane

Given De Bruyne’s brilliant performances in midfield, Leroy Sane has been something of an unsung hero this season. The Germany international is arguably Manchester City’s most-improved player. Sane has scored 13 goals and has made 13 assists in 39 games in all competitions this term. The winger will come up against Liverpool’s 19-year-old right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, unless Nathaniel Clyne is a surprise starter. Alexander-Arnold has shown plenty of promise and has excelled in a full-back role this term. However, like Joe Gomez, the teenager has been prone to the odd costly mistake, particularly in Liverpool’s biggest games.

Mohamed Salah v Aymeric Laporte

No Liverpool v Manchester City preview would be complete without a mention of Mohamed Salah. The Egypt international scored his 29th Premier League goal of the season in a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace last weekend. Salah has now scored 37 times in all competitions, just 10 goals short of Ian Rush’s Liverpool record for an individual season. Salah will likely face Manchester City’s record signing Aymeric Laporte. Pep Guardiola used Laporte in a left-back role for the first time in Manchester City’s 3-1 win against Everton on Saturday evening. With Fabian Delph struggling with an injury and Benjamin Mendy still sidelined, Laporte could be tasked with keeping Salah quiet.