Brendan Rodgers’ first game in charge of Liverpool couldn’t have gone much worse as the Reds fell to a 3-0 defeat at West Brom, in a match where they conceded two penalties and had Daniel Agger dismissed for a professional foul.

They were 1-0 winners at Hearts in the Europa League on Thursday, but it doesn’t get any easier domestically for the Anfield club with a visit this Sunday from the champions. Joe Cole’s return to the side at the Hawthorns was cut short and, along with Jose Enrique, he looks a fitness doubt.

Manchester City rescued three points last weekend, coming from 2-1 down with 18 minutes to play to beat newly-promoted Southampton at Eastlands.

However, Roberto Mancini was concerned with the first-half injury to Sergio Aguero, who is expected to miss a month. The City boss will now decide between Edin Dzeko – who struck the equaliser against the Saints – and Mario Balotelli for a starting spot alongside Carlos Tevez in attack.

Four of the last five meetings between these clubs on Merseyside have ended in stalemates including last season’s 1-1 draw, and it would be no surprise to see this encounter end level again. 

Verdict: Liverpool 1-1 Man City