Manchester City's flawless start to the season faces its sternest examination yet on Sunday, with a trip to Anfield awaiting Enzo Maresca's side after the international break. Five wins from five have put the Blues top of the pile, but Liverpool — unbeaten themselves, if rather more draw-prone — lie in wait.

Kick-off is 4.30pm BST on Sunday, October 11, with Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event carrying coverage from 4pm. BBC Radio 5 Live has full match commentary for those of you who prefer your anxiety delivered aurally.

Liverpool's striking shortage

The hosts have problems up front. Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both picked up knocks during the international break and have been ruled out, while Hugo Ekitike is also sidelined. Jeremy Jacquet's hamstring issue has cleared up and he's back in training, but the forward line is thin to the point of translucent.

Lewis Koumas, 21, is their only available recognised centre-forward. He has never started a Premier League game. Bradley Barcola may play through the middle instead, which is one way of saying Liverpool's attacking plan currently resembles a man patting his pockets for keys he knows aren't there.

Federico Chiesa is back in training and could make his first appearance of the season, while Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni remain long-term absentees. Iraola was candid on Friday: "They don't look like long-term injuries. But they are not ready for Sunday."

City's own concerns

Phil Foden serves the final game of his three-match suspension following his red card in the Manchester derby. Nico O'Reilly withdrew from the England squad for their final two Nations League matches because of injury and is a major doubt.

Antoine Semenyo didn't play for Ghana during the break as he had treatment on a swollen leg, but he has been training and is expected to start at Anfield.

There were question marks over Erling Haaland's fitness, though Maresca was quick to dampen them on Friday: "He's good. He went to Marbella, had two or three days off, played golf. Had some recovery. He's ready for Anfield."

Odds and prediction

City are narrow favourites at 6/4, with Liverpool 8/5 and the draw 11/4. In the title betting, City are 4/1 second favourites behind 8/15 Arsenal, while Liverpool are third best at 12/1.

City used to have a terrible record at Anfield. Then they scored twice late on last season to win 2-1, which was fun. The prediction here is that both sides emerge with their unbeaten records intact — a score draw, with the 11/4 on the draw looking the value. With Liverpool stripped of Isak and Gakpo, and the Reds solid at the back recently, a low-scoring game seems the sensible lean.