London Standard
Liverpool have been handed an injury boost ahead of Sunday’s decisive clash against Manchester City, with Joe Gomez back in contention.
Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined with a groin injury picked up last month against Qarabag, but Gomez’s potential return from a hip complaint has come at no better time as the Reds look to move into the top five on Sunday.
Long-term injuries leave Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni on the sidelines as Liverpool manager Slot hosts title-contenders City off the back of the Reds’ first win of 2026 against Newcastle last weekend.
Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to continue deputising for Frimpong at right-back, having impressed in recent weeks.
Despite Gomez’s return to fitness, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk will line up at centre-back. The former returned against Newcastle after compassionate leave and scored a tearful stoppage-time goal.
Completing the back four is likely to be Milos Kerkez, though the experience of Andy Robertson may appeal to Slot.
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In the middle, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have been favoured of late and should keep their places, though Curtis Jones has seen regular minutes recently, and the pair will sit behind Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo.
Ekitke should again lead the line, following his tide-turning two goals against Newcastle, with his physicality a key asset against Guardiola’s injury-hit defence.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Injured: Isak, Frimpong, Bradley, Leoni
Time and date: 4:30pm GMT on Sunday, February 8, 2026
Venue: Anfield
How to watch: Sky Sports