Manchester City are looking to get back on track against Liverpool today.
Manchester City are winless in their last six, and in midweek they threw away a three-goal lead against Feyenoord in the Champions League to draw 3-3.
City face a Liverpool side who are in red-hot form.
They are top of the Premier League table right now and eight points clear of City. They’ve also just beaten Real Madrid in the Champions League.
It will be a tall order for City to win at Anfield, and every player will have to be on top form if they are to win.
And ahead of the game, it seems Pep Guardiola has made a very big call for the game.
Stefan Ortega set to start for Man City against Liverpool
It’s been exclusively reported by City Extra’s Portuguese account that Stefan Ortega is set to start for City against Liverpool later today.
Currently, it’s unclear as to whether this is an injury for Ederson, or a tactical decision. It’s claimed the Brazilian will be on the bench though, suggesting it could well be tactical.
Ederson, of course, drew a lot of criticism in midweek for his performance against Feyenoord, having been at fault for two of the three goals the visitors scored.
In the last moments, journalist Sam Lee has also reported that Ortega will be starting against Liverpool. he also adds there are starts for the fit-again Ruben Dias, and also Matheus Nunes. Kevin De Bruyne will again start from the bench.
Man City fans react
Fans have been reacting to the claim that Ortega is set to start against Liverpool.
The German has only made four appearances so far this season, but none of those have come in the Premier League.
Ortega is a popular figure at the Etihad Stadium, having always done fairly well when called upon by Guardiola. His save from Heung-min Son last season in the game with Tottenham will always be remembered.
So given that, plus Ederson’s performance in midweek, some fans are welcoming this development.
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A big chance for Ortega if true
If it comes to pass that Ortega starts today then that is a huge call from Guardiola, and one that’ll probably divide fans.
Ederson was very poor against Feyenoord. But it can be argued that he’s actually been one of City’s better performers in the whole this season.
Ortega has shown during his time at the club that he is a dependable goalkeeper.
| Stefan Ortega for Man City |
| Appearances – 38 |
| Clean sheets – 19 |
| Goals conceded – 30 |
Some have wanted to see him actually replace Ederson as the number one since he made that save against Spurs last season, and today is a huge chance for him.
City have been giving up a lot of chances in recent matches, and there is an argument that Ortega is a slightly better shot-stopper than Ederson. So that may well have been a factor for Guardiola.
The fact Ortega is playing may also indicate we could see a slightly different plan. With Ortega not quite as good a ball-player as Ederson, we could be seeing a few more long balls up to Erling Haaland.
