Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate injured versus Real Madrid

Liverpool right back Connor Bradley and center back Ibrahima Konate appear are now questionable to play in this Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City after suffering injuries in the Reds’ emphatic 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League.

While he did not get on the scoresheet, Bradley was arguably Liverpool’s best player in the match. He was forced off early in the second half after pulling up with an injury following an attacking run up the pitch.

Konate managed to play the full 90 minutes of the Champions League match, but needed treatment immediately after the final whistle.

Slot hopes for the best

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was asked immediately after the match about Bradley and Konate’s injuries.

The Dutchman revealed that it was too early to give an update on either player and that he was hopeful they would be available for this weekend’s huge fixture against Man City.

“I know where they have pain, but how bad or how good it is is difficult to judge so close after the game,” Slot said.

“This happens through a season. I am really hoping both of them are available to play because we want them all available, but if not someone else has to step up and until now this season everybody that I [have] selected to start has shown up.

“That's also what is going to happen on Sunday, if they can play but also if they can't play then other ones will step up.”

Man City’s defensive problems

While Liverpool could have problems in defence without Bradley and Konate this weekend, Man City come into this match with a fully healthy back line. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t struggle.

The Sky Blues are in a real period of crisis right now. They are now eight points back of Liverpool and huge outsiders to win the Premier League this season with the betting sites.

Man City have gone six matches without a win, losing five of their last six. Most of these poor results have come down to their poor defence without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri in midfield.

Left back Joško Gvardiol has been especially poor, having made multiple mistakes in City’s 3-3 draw with Feyenoord on Tuesday.

On the bright side, getting centre back Ruben Dias back from injury should help Man City’s chances. However, it’s not clear whether he is fit enough to start just yet.

Liverpool vs. Man City prediction

Liverpool losing Konate, and Bradley to a lesser extent, is a big blow to their chances of beating Man City at Anfield on Sunday (3:00 AM on Monday in Australia). We still can’t see Pep Guardiola’s team getting a win here though.

In their last six matches at Anfield, Man City have won just once. Most of those games were fairly dull matches too where both sides played patient possession soccer.

Conclusion

Guardiola does not have the players to do that this time. They have been outworked and picked apart by worse sides. Our EPL predictions back Liverpool to do the same thing those teams did and to beat Man City comfortably at Anfield.