Vincent Kompany may need to quit Belgium to prolong Manchester City career while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain needs to step up at Liverpool
- 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
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.
Jurgen Klopp has an opportunity to make a complete player of Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain
PHIL MUST EARN IT
Jurgen Klopp has sent a message to Philippe Coutinho by leaving him out of Saturday's squad to play against Manchester City.
He is saying: 'You must earn the right to play.'
Coutinho has scored four goals against City but he can't just walk back into the team.
MY PREDICTION - MANCHESTER CITY 2-2 LIVERPOOL
Philippe Coutinho has to earn right to play for Liverpool - he can't just walk back into team
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