Liverpool News: Paul Merson uses Man City prediction to aim dig at Oxlade-Chamberlain

PAUL MERSON has taken a dig at Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of the Reds' game with Manchester City this weekend.

Oxlade-Chamberlain send message to Liverpool fans

Liverpool signed Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal on deadline day after the England international snubbed a move to Antonio Conte's Chelsea.

He will be aiming to make his debut against Manchester City on Saturday, with the Reds aiming to deal Pep Guardiola's side a first defeat of the new season.

And, writing on his Sky Sports predictor pages, Merson has questioned Oxlade-Chamberlain's decision to join Liverpool given his reported desire to play in central midfield.

"What a game to start with! Sometimes with a big game the anticipation is there but it can fizzle out," he said.

Liverpool News: Paul Merson has aimed a dig at Oxlade-Chamberlain

"However, I can't see that happening with this game. These two teams play one way and one way only - attack, attack, attack!

"Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be hoping to make his Liverpool debut but with England captain Jordan Henderson and Emre Can, who I'm a big fan off, set to play I don't see him getting a game. 

"That's unless he plays out of position but I thought he went to Liverpool to play in central midfield, no?

"I can't see anything but goals in this game. Both are brilliant going forward and not great at the back. 

"However, I'm just going to side with City because I believe they are slightly better at the back."

Liverpool News Alex Oxlade Chamberlain Man CityGETTY

Liverpool News: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could make his debut against Man City

Liverpool News Alex Oxlade Chamberlain Man CityGETTY

Liverpool News: Paul Merson has aimed a dig at Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Manchester City and Liverpool have played out some thrilling encounters in recent years.

The Reds famously battered their rivals 4-1 at the Etihad just over a month after Jurgen Klopp succeeded Brendan Rodgers in November 2015.

And they also won 3-2 in 2014 in a result that put them on the cusp of the Premier League title.

However, City went on to win the prize that year after Liverpool dropped points in key games against Chelsea and Crystal Palace. 

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?