Manchester City vs. Liverpool: Team News and Preview

Manchester City and Liverpool's margin for error is nearly gone. Unless they start picking up points, and fast, the two sides will have nothing to play for by March and plotting next season's squad.

For City, the title is still within reach, if only barely. Manchester United's win stretched their lead atop the table to 10 points and have put the pressure on their rivals to either get points or concede the title. But conceding has not been City's M.O. of late. They have not allowed a goal in six consecutive matches, a streak that would like to continue against the Reds.

Liverpool's aspirations aren't nearly as high as City's. The Reds just want to stay in the race for fourth, where they are already longshots to capture the Premier League's last Champions League place. Liverpool are seven points out of fourth, but have three teams to jump if they want to play on Tuesdays and Wednesdays next season.

The Reds bought Daniel Sturridge and Coutinho last month with an eye on the future, but also knowing that a late run to fourth was possible. A few more losses and it wont be. Unfortunately for Liverpool, there is no evidence to suggest that they can win at Eastlands. They have yet to take three points from a team in the top half this season and the Citizens have no lost a match in any competition since Boxing Day.

Both City and Liverpool's dreams are on the verge of extinguishing. Odds are, it will be Liverpool's which inch closer to death on Sunday.

Manchester City injuries and suspensions

Out: Vincent Kompany (calf), Maicon (knee), Micah Richards (knee), Yaya Toure (Africa Cup of Nations), Kolo Toure (Africa Cup of Nations). Doubtful: Matija Nastasic (knee)

Liverpool injuries and suspensions

Out: Coutinho (awaiting clearance), Oussama Assaidi (Africa Cup of Nations), Martin Kelly (knee), Jon Flanagan (knee)