Phil Thompson: Silva and Fernandinho vital to Man City

Former Liverpool player and current Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson believes David Silva and Fernandinho will be key for Manchester City tonight when they take on Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.

Both players were out injured for most of December, during which time Pep Guardiola’s side slumped to defeats against Crustal Palace and Leicester City.

And Thompson thinks that although Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the City lineup was hailed as a game-changer yesterday, Silva and Fernandinho are likely to have the biggest impact on the outcome of the game.

READ: John Barnes says pressure of Liverpool game might be too much for City

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Saturday, September 9, 2017: Liverpool’s Sadio Mane and Manchester City’s Fernando Luiz Roza ‘Fernandinho’ during the FA Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

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Of De Bruyne, Thompson said: “He might start, there’s a good chance he will be on the bench. But he will have some involvement.

“But Fernandinho and David Silva. I think they are so vital to how this Manchester City team plays.

“Fernandinho probably the best holding midfield player in Europe. I think he plays that role so well.

“And David Silva getting between the lines, he can hurt you. Them two being back fit I think is a big bonus.

“I think Kevin De Bruyne might start on the bench because of that little niggle he’s picked up.

“If he does, it doesn’t matter to Liverpool, they’re all great players at Manchester City.

“That is the great thing about this game coming up. Both sides are so blessed with great players.

“Everybody, not just Liverpool and Manchester City, everybody throughout the country is looking forward to this game.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com