The absence of Sergio Agüero could give Manchester City a boost against Liverpool

Sergio Agüero is one of the best forwards in the Premier League, and his 180 goals place him fourth on the list of all-time top scorers.

His absence, then, it is logical, can only be beneficial for Liverpool, particularly as Virgil van Dijk is missing in the center of defense.

However, the statistics somewhat contradictory suggest that Manchester City have a better goal record without Aguero in the team than with him.

Manchester City scores an average of 2.2 goals per game in all competitions when Agüero has played at least one minute in the game, compared to 2.5 per game when he has not.

That could potentially be explained because Aguero is more likely to rest or fall for games against poorer opponents.

For example, City have averaged 1.9 goals per game against the other “big six” (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham with Aguero in the mix) compared to 1.5 per game without him.

However, Liverpool is an exception.

Interestingly, Manchester City has averaged 1.5 goals per game against the Reds when Aguero has entered the court, but 1.8 per game when he has not.

Gabriel Jesus is likely to lead the line for City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, and the Brazilian will return to action midweek with a goal in the UEFA Champions League.

Otherwise, Ferran Torres or Raheem Sterling could occupy a more central role, with Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez vying for open positions.

Liverpool will be without Thiago Alcantara, as well as Van Dijk, for the clash, as confirmed by Jurgen Klopp.

“Thiago, that’s right. It’s an injury but he doesn’t need surgery, all these kinds of things, but it still takes time,” Klopp said at his pre-match press conference.

“The challenge that day was hard and directly against the leg, so I keep adapting but improving. It won’t be too long anymore, but for this game I don’t think it will be.