It was anything an "international break" for Manchester City.
While the club hasn't played a match since Sept. 20, everything has changed for the Sky Blues. The club was found guilty of breaking the Premier League's financial rules from 2009-10 until 2017-18 and also was charged with failure to cooperate with the investigation.
Questions linger over how the Premier League will punish City, but for now the club is charging ahead - sitting atop the Premier League with a perfect record of five wins from five matches.
City manager Enzo Maresca said he trusts the club's leaders and is confident the club will win its appeal, while star forward Erling Haaland told fans to keep a smile on their faces as they enjoy this weekend's game.
How will City line
up as it looks to put the investigation temporarily behind it and bring joy to its fans?
Manchester City projected lineup vs. Liverpool
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders: Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol
Central midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson
Wingers and playmaker: Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku
Forward: Erling Haaland
How to watch Manchester City vs. Liverpool
- When: Sunday, Oct. 11
- Where: Anfield (Liverpool, England)
- Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
- Channel/streaming: NBC, Peacock (WATCH HERE), Telemundo/Universo (Watch LIVE on Fubo)
- USA TODAY Sports LIVE blog with updates (Link will be available 90 minutes before kickoff)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Manchester City projected lineup vs. Liverpool: Is Erling Haaland starting?
