Under siege at Anfield: Liverpool and Man City face injury crisis ahead of EPL blockbuster

Liverpool and Manchester City could enter Sunday's Premier League blockbuster at Anfield (7.30 pm) with as many as 11 key players sidelined between them - a stark reminder of the fine margins that now define the title race.

Pep Guardiola's Blues, six points adrift of leaders Arsenal, know that any slip-up could be fatal. A win at Anfield would be just their second under Guardiola, making this more than a match - it's a statement of intent in the battle for England's top spot.

But the squad news adds a dramatic twist. Ruben Dias, out since early January with a hamstring injury, has returned to training, though his fitness remains in question. John Stones is still easing back from injury, Savinho battles a thigh issue, and Jeremy Doku limps back from a calf knock suffered in the Champions League tie against Galatasaray. Josko Gvardiol is still sidelined with a broken leg, while Mateo Kovacic continues to nurse a long-term ankle problem.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are not without their worries. Joe Gomez is edging closer to a return after a groin injury, but won't start; Jeremie Frimpong is out for weeks with a thigh issue, and Alexander Isak watches from the stands as he recovers from a broken leg and ankle surgery.

Arsenal serve cold vengeance on Sunderland, Chelsea's 'hat-trick king' Palmer ruthlessly kills Wolves

With both sides battling through a medical minefield, Sunday's clash promises drama far beyond the 90 minutes. Injuries could dictate line-ups, strategies, and perhaps even the outcome of the Premier League title race itself.

The Reds and the Cityzens aren't just playing for points - they're playing under siege.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 25

Friday

Leeds - Nottingham Forest 3-1 (2-0)

/Bogle 26, Okafor 30, Calvert-Lewin 49 - Lucca 86/

Saturday

Manchester United. - Tottenham 2-0 (1-0)

/Mbeumo 38, Fernandes 80/

Arsenal - Sunderland 3-0 (1-0)

/Zubimendi 42, Gyokeres 66, 90+3/

Bournemouth - Aston Villa 1-1 (0-1)

/Rayan 55 - Rogers 22/

Burnley - West Ham 0-2 (0-2)

/Summerville 13, Castellanos 26/

Fulham - Everton 1-2 (1-0)

/Mykolenko 18 og - Dewsbury-Hall 75, Leno 83 og/

Wolverhampton - Chelsea 1-3 (0-3)

/Arokodare 54 - Palmer 13 pen, 35 pen, 38/

Newcastle - Brentford 2-3 (1-2)

/Botman 24, Guimaraes 79 pen - Janelt 37, Thiago 45+2 pen, Outtara 85/

Sunday

17.00: (2.00) Brighton (3.60) Crystal Palace (4.10)

19.30: (2.35) Liverpool (3.80) Man.City (2.95)

***odds are subject to change***