Liverpool’s recent return to form will be put to the test at the Etihad Stadium, on an afternoon where Arne Slot‘s new left-back pecking order could be revealed.
The Reds flattered Real Madrid at Anfield in midweek and the gap between that match and the trip to Man City affords Slot a rare luxury.
He could look to continue with the same team or make a tweak or two, though he surely sticks with the formula that has his side heading into the match off the back of two wins.
Liverpool have started to turn the corner, and here’s how they could line up against City in a bid to carry momentum into the international break.
Team News: Isak returns to training
Following Slot’s latest squad update, this is what we know:
Liverpool’s XI vs. Man City
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 17, 2025: Liverpool's Andy Robertson during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Andy Robertson has started the last three games and ahead of Milos Kerkez in the wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, and now the only question about the vice-captain is if he can back up again.
But Slot hinted in his pre-match press conference that he plans to use the 31-year-old again on Sunday, while also praising his calmness on the ball and his defensive contributions.
With that in mind, an unchanged backline will be expected after five days between games, with the midfield also following suit after a strong performance against Real Madrid.
The only change that could be made is Florian Wirtz returning to the bench, despite one of his best performances, and Cody Gakpo being restored in the XI.
It would be the same side that secured a 2-0 win over Aston Villa, and looks like this:
Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike
There could also be a desire to reward Wirtz for his performance in midweek and keep him on the left, a position he is comfortable in, even if it is not his favoured role.
This would leave Gakpo as an option off the bench again alongside Isak – a move that would be encouraged by plenty, no doubt.
And after three successive starts, if there is any doubt over Alexis Mac Allister‘s ability to back up for a fourth time, then Curtis Jones is the obvious candidate to come into the side.
The No. 17 played 12 minutes off the bench after a two-game absence and could feature for 60 minutes before a pre-planned substitution, but it is hard to look past the Argentine retaining his place.
Slot insisted before Real’s visit that his selection would have no bearing on Sunday’s match, due to the gap between, meaning an unchanged lineup is more than possible:
Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
Slot will be expected to remain as consistent with his starting lineup as possible after the recent turn in form, with the return to a tried and tested formula proving fruitful.
Man City could look to replicate the long ball strategy and play over the top to Erling Haaland, but Liverpool have to be aware of that and find ways to mitigate a weakness that Slot has openly admitted to.
The return of Isak off the bench could also prove timely, though Slot has urged expectations to be managed after a few weeks out of the side.