Dugout Discussion – Liverpool vs Manchester City

After Bournemouth’s comeback win over Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium, we now make our way to Merseyside as Liverpool entertain Manchester City in the 4pm kick-off.

Still reeling from the departure of Philippe Coutinho, the hosts have been dealt a further blow after their January arrival Virgil van Dijk was ruled out due to a hamstring problem.

The top scoring player in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Mohamed Salah – who was sold by over 179,000 for Gameweek 23 – recovers from a groin problem to start for the hosts.

With a goal or assist in 12 of his last 13 league appearances and nine double-figure hauls this season, the Egyptian is the most captained player for this one, handed the armband by 8.6% of FPL managers.

Indeed, with both sides boasting the most potent attacks in the top-flight, Salah is one of five players in this match ranked among the top 10 FPL captains for Gameweek 23.

Man City pair Sergio Aguero (6.6%) and Kevin De Bruyne (3%) are next in line.

With fellow frontman Gabriel Jesus sidelined through injury, the Argentine was second only to Harry Kane for transfers in among FPL forwards last week, snapped up by 191,000+ on the back of six goals in as many matches in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino (2.8%) and Raheem Sterling (2.5%) are also among the main captaincy contenders – both have bagged three sets of double-digits in their respective last four starts.

However, it’s bad news for the 9.9% still holding David Silva – the Spaniard warms the visitors’ bench and has now started just two of the last six Gameweeks.