John Barnes: Roberto Firmino a "better bet" than Diogo Jota for Manchester City match

John Barnes has insisted that Roberto Firmino is a "better bet" than in-form Diogo Jota to start Liverpool's Premier League clash with Manchester City this weekend.

Jota scored a hat-trick in Liverpool's 5-0 win over Atalanta BC on Tuesday to make it six goals in four matches.

Firmino was on the bench for that Champions League game and has been tipped to stay there for Sunday's trip to the Etihad Stadium.

However, given the nature of the opposition, Liverpool great Barnes believes that Jurgen Klopp should select the Brazilian over Jota.

"Jota scored a hat-trick, but that doesn't mean he automatically goes into the team against Man City," he told talkSPORT.

"I think who plays depends on what the games are and who they're against and how that team plays. Against Man City, where you're not going to have as much possession, maybe Firmino will be a better bet.

"You need a player like Bobby Firmino to not only get hold of the ball but also do his defensive work.

"If you're playing a game against Atalanta or Leeds, a more open team, then you can see Jota coming in."

Firmino has three goals and two assists in 11 appearances for Liverpool this season, compared to seven and one respectively for summer signing Jota in 10 outings.