22 November 2023 , 02:00
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Liverpool's trip to Manchester City on Saturday is arguably the biggest game of the Premier League season so far, with the result potentially impacting both clubs' plans for the January transfer window.
Reigning champions City go into the game with a one-point lead at the top of the table after dropping points at Chelsea next week. That means Liverpool, who come into the game off the back of a victory over Brentford, can go top with a win.
The choice of referee for the game has been confirmed, while there are also considerations ahead of the January window which apply whatever the result on Saturday. Here are the latest lines from around Anfield.
Ref confirmed for City game
Chris Kavanagh will take charge of Liverpool's game away at Manchester City on Saturday. While Kavanagh has got in the bad books of Jurgen Klopp in the past, he has also found himself on the wrong side of City boss Pep Guardiola.
He was the man in the middle for the Merseyside Derby in 2021, when Liverpool suffered a rare home loss against Everton. On that occasion, Klopp accused the ref of seeing “something all other people didn't see" when awarding the Toffees a penalty.
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Guardiola, meanwhile, earned a yellow card after voicing his displeasure with Kavanagh's officiating as his team lost to Newcastle in this season's Carabao Cup. "I don’t know how many fouls they did, how many fouls we had and the number of yellow cards. But it is what it is, sometimes the emotions are there," he said after the game. "Respect for the referees and their job. A well-deserved yellow card."
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January transfer targets
Liverpool were busy in the summer transfer window, though some of their decisions were enforced. The loss of several midfielders forced Klopp to make additions, including that of deadline day signing Ryan Gravenberch.
What do Liverpool need to do in January? Have your say in the comments section
Fluminense's Andre continues to be linked with Liverpool (AFP via Getty Images)In the winter window, there may well be more cause for investment. Liverpool are well in the race for the Premier League title, while knockout football in the Europa League - almost certain to be assured - will carry its own demands.
With that in mind, Mirror Football has identified a number of players who the Reds may want to add to their ranks in the new year. The group includes one long-term target, as well as an England international looking for minutes ahead of Euro 2024.
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Wonderkid headed elsewhere
One star who doesn't look set for an Anfield move is Gianluca Prestianni. The Argentine wonderkid has been linked with Liverpool and Premier League rivals Chelsea, but Benfica appear to have won the race.
That's according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo (via Sport Witness), who say the Lisbon side will pay €8m for the Velez youngster. The deal is expected to be made official at the end of January, when the player turns 18.
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Prestianni, a winger, has played more than 20 times in Argentina's top tier. He scored his first senior goal in March, and picked up minutes in a victory over league leaders River Plate.