Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid: Match Verdict
Liverpool team predicted to face Man City in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool have the chance to make up ground in the Premier League title race when they make the trip to Manchester City (4.30pm GMT).
Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Sunderland means that there is an opportunity for the Reds to close the gap to five points on the leaders. But City, who currently trail the Gunners by seven points, will also see a chance to capitalise.
It has certainly added another layer to an already intriguing battle between the modern-day rivals. City and Liverpool have won the past eight English championships in total.
After a recent run of four successive league defeats - and six losses in seven matches in all competitions - Arne Slot’s side have had an upturn in form after earning a 2-0 triumph over Aston Villa followed by a 1-0 win against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Liverpool will be hoping to carry on the momentum but know how difficult of a game they face against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Slot has some decisions to make about his team as to how he can nullify City as well as deliver in the final third. In this meeting last season, Liverpool earned a 2-0 win doing just that.
With that in mind, here’s how Liverpool could line-up.
Liverpool predicted line-up vs Man City
GK - Giorgi Mamardashvili
With Alisson closing in on a return from injury, Mamardashvili’s run between the posts is starting to come to an end. However, he will be determined to keep a third successive clean sheet and show Liverpool fans he is the future.
RB - Conor Bradley
CB - Ibrahima Konate
Had two solid games and now needs to find consistency after a mixed start to the season.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
The Liverpool skipper will chiefly be tasked with stopping City’s talisman Erling Haaland. A fierce battle awaits.
LB - Andy Robertson
It is no coincidence that the Liverpool veteran’s return to the team has made them more solid defensively. Robertson’s nous will be vital and it means Milos Kerkez will have to wait his turn to get back into the team. Slot did withdraw Robertson against Madrid because he was tired but should be recovered in time.
CM - Ryan Gravenberch
The Dutchman’s cover he provided the Liverpool defence against Madrid went understated and that will again be as important as the work that he does on the ball.
CM - Alexis Mac Allister
The former Brighton man has looked back to his best after a challenging start to the season. If Mac Allister plays well than Liverpool’s chance of claiming three points are boosted markedly.
AM - Dominik Szoboszlai
There has not been a better Liverpool player this season, while Szoboszlai is among the best performers in the Premier League. His pressing and energy cause every opposition problems. Last season, he played as one of two No.10s and that’s a tactic that Slot could deploy again.
AM - Florian Wirtz
RW - Mo Salah
Started to look more like his usual self and Salah would no doubt love to steal the headlines in this fixture.
LW - Cody Gakpo
Been a regular contributor with goals and assists this season but has come a tad predictable and needs to vary his game. Power can cause City problems, though.
Woodman, Gomez, Kerkez, Endo, Jones, Isak, Ekitike, Chiesa, Ngumoha
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