The winger, who has scored 21 goals in 38 games in all competitions was dropped to the bench for the game against his former side, with Ilkay Gundogan coming into the midfield instead.
Guardiola's decision appeared to be motivated by a desire to prevent his side being caught on the counter by a rapid Liverpool forward line.
Elsewehre, Aymeric Laporte once again got the nod at left-back in the continued absence of Benjamin Mendy.
April 4, 2018
Liverpool, meanwhile, lined up as expected, with an all-English midfield three of Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner supporting Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah in attack.
April 4, 2018