Keown's match analysis: Time for Kompany to quit Belgium

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Ruben Amorim held talks with West Ham on Monday - yet remains a 8/1 outsider with Sky Bet to be appointed manager of the Hammers
The next king of the Kop! Arne Slot is a Pep Guardiola disciple who orders his teams to attack relentlessly like Jurgen Klopp. He ticks EVERY box for Liverpool
'Get on with it': Wayne Rooney issues blunt response to Virgil van Dijk as the Liverpool captain makes familiar post-match complaint after derby defeat against Everton
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THE NOTEBOOK: Jack Dowling unites Goodison Park, Idrissa Gana Gueye suffocates Liverpool's creativity and Sean Dyche changes it up after 550 games
PLAYER RATINGS: Jarrad Branthwaite played like he has been at this level for a decade for Everton while Idrissa Gueye was everywhere... but which Liverpool star is given a 3.5/10?
Everton fans stick the knife into Liverpool supporters by serenading them with new song, as Toffees taunt their local rivals after puncturing Reds' title ambitions
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Wayne Rooney SLAMS Liverpool's 'school-boy' defending for Jarrad Branthwaite's goal in Merseyside derby defeat, as Jurgen Klopp's men crumble in intensity of Goodison Park to all-but end title hopes
Brittle Man United had to drag themselves back yet AGAIN... Erik ten Hag keeps giving reasons for him not to be part of the club's future, writes CHRIS WHEELER
Bruno Fernandes admits Man United 'put ourselves in a position where it's tough to win games' but hails the team's character to come from behind again in 4-2 win over Sheffield United
PLAYER RATINGS: Bruno Fernandes stole the show for Man United and dug them out of a hole... but which two players only receive a 5/10 rating?
THE NOTEBOOK: Sheffield United's leaky defence breaks a record, Man United stand against spending cap as Ethan Wheatley makes his debut for Red Devils
Andre Onana GIFTS Sheffield United opening goal at Old Trafford, as goalkeeper's shocking pass allows Jayden Bogle to strike for bottom club
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Antoine Semenyo scores the only goal of the game to ramp up Bournemouth's chase for a top-half finish, while Stuart Atwell is embroiled in controversy again...

Vincent Kompany picked up an injury playing international football for Belgium
Is it time for Kompany to quit Belgium and concentrate on Manchester City?
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain now has to step up and start fulfilling his potential
Jurgen Klopp has sent a strong message to Philippe Coutinho by leaving him out
Man City v Liverpool odds and tips plus the Premier League betting guide

Published: 17:40 EDT, 8 September 2017 | Updated: 20:09 EDT, 8 September 2017

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The Premier League returns to action this weekend with Manchester City hosting Liverpool in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.

It has all the ingredients for a mouthwatering clash, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain expected to make his debut for Liverpool.

Ahead of that match at the Etihad Stadium, Sportsmail's Martin Keown provides his big match analysis...

TIME FOR KOMPANY TO QUIT BELGIUM?

Losing Vincent Kompany is a bitter blow for Pep Guardiola. He gives Manchester City such stability that his influence cannot be underestimated.

After carefully managing his way back to fitness, it was a shame to see him hurt again playing for Belgium last week. To prolong his City career it may be time Kompany quit international football. Only he can decide — and it is all the more difficult with a World Cup on the horizon.

But using the international break to rest would have benefited both Kompany and City. Earlier, I predicted a 2-1 City win but with no Kompany, it is more likely to be a draw.

Pep Guardiola losing Vincent Kompany is a blow - is it time for him to quit playing for Belgium?

OX HAS TO STEP UP

I'd love to see if Jurgen Klopp can make a complete player of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. It's no longer about potential. There has to be an end product with his promise.

We have only ever seen 80 per cent of what Oxlade-Chamberlain can do. He has decided to break out of comfort zone by leaving Arsenal.

I'm fascinated to see how he gets on.