Richard: Virgil van Dijk is a good defender for sure, but some are acting like he's the world's best. He looked good at Celtic in an easy league, he looked OK at Southampton in a quality league. The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man City aren't bidding for him, which surely they would if he was that good?

Pet: Man City will destroy Liverpool today, not even worth watching.

Confirmation that Virgil van Dijk misses today's game with a 'little bit' of a hamstring injury.

Match of the Day 2 Extra

Burnley and Republic of Ireland midfielder Jon Walters: Virgil van Dijk is such a miss for Liverpool, he's a really tough opponent, because he's got that physical side to his game, but he's got pace too.

Ex-Chelsea and Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer: I'm surprised Man City didn't go for Virgil van Dijk, it's a real coup signing for Liverpool. He's only made one appearance so far, but he played with such authority, he won everything in the air and he even popped up with the winner at the end.

Alan Green
BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

Image source, Getty Images

I think the absence of Virgil van Dijk is a blow for Liverpool because he was talking, he was an organiser, which Klopp’s defence badly needed. His prowess in the air will be missed in an attacking sense as well as in defence.

Manchester City are a little vulnerable defensively in that way. I only saw the game at the Etihad on television and until Sadio Mane’s sending off it was very even so the 5-0 final score rather flattered City.

I would have to fancy City to win today; Liverpool will have to be at their very best to threaten City’s unbeaten record.

Liverpool

There is no Virgil van Dijk in the Liverpool squad but Mohamed Salah starts as Dejan Lovren is handed the captain's armband.

Manchester City make six changes from their midweek cup win - in come Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho, Fabian Delph, Nicolas Otamendi, Kyle Walker and Ederson.

Full team news to come.

Mark Lawrenson
BBC football expert

Manchester City have just been absolutely brilliant but this will be a tough test for them. Going to any of the top four away from home is hard.

They have already won at Manchester United and Chelsea but I am going for a draw for Pep Guardiola's side this time.

It will be interesting to see what the atmosphere is like and what difference that makes to both teams.

Lawro's prediction: 1-1

Image source, BBC Sport

No Coutinho of course today then for Liverpool, but who else is going to start?I can tell you in just a few minutes time...

Steve Wilson
Match of the Day commentator

Image source, Reuters

If Manchester City are to go unbeaten for the entire Premier League campaign, the number of high hurdles in their path are diminishing. One of the hardest to clear will be this trip to Anfield.

Liverpool are one of the few sides around for whom, given a fair wind, beating Manchester City at their own game seems even a possibility.

The loss of Coutinho will be hard to stomach at Anfield, even though nobody could claim to be surprised. The little Brazilian was as brilliant as ever - even when effectively playing under duress. A return by Sadio Mane to his form of last season is now a must.

City's record at Anfield is poor - just one win since 1981 - but Guardiola's side are showing week by week that records are there to be broken.

Juliette Ferrington
BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, BBC Sport

Every seat and broadcast position in the gantry is taken, such is the profile and magnitude of this game. Engineers have been here since stupid o’clock rigging and NBC have a presentation set pitchside at Anfield. More than 20 broadcasters are here so it’s going to be a busy one for post-match interviews for sure.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City are sprinting through a remarkable Premier League season.

Champions elect before Christmas, now the prospect of an unbeaten campaign looms large on their horizon.

Image source, Getty Images

This afternoon they face arguably one of their biggest hurdles left on the road to legendary status. Without a league win at Anfield in 15 years, can Pep Guardiola steer his side to success again?