Liverpool boss Arne Slot.placeholder image
Liverpool boss Arne Slot. | Getty Images
Liverpool team predicted to face Man City in the Premier League at Anfield.
Liverpool prepare for one of their toughest games of the season when they welcome Manchester City to Anfield (16.30 GMT).
The Reds and Pep Guardiola’s side have won the past seven Premier League titles apiece - but that looks set to change this season. Arsenal have taken full advantage of Liverpool’s stuttering form in their defence of the silverware. Arne Slot’s side sit just sixth in the table.
The main aim is to secure Champions League qualification and the pressure is ramping up on Liverpool after Manchester United and Chelsea after respective victories over Tottenham and Wolves.
The Reds head into the City clash again short of defensive options, with Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni (both knee) and Jeremie Frimpong (groin) sidelined while Joe Gomez has missed the past two games.
But Liverpool must find the answers to beat a City side who are looking to keep the pressure on Arsenal. The Reds suffered a comprehensive 3-0 loss in the reverse meeting at the Etihad Stadium and With everything in mind, here’s the Liverpool team predicted.
GK - Alisson Becker
The Brazil No.1 can certainly expect to have to be busy throughout the evening.
RB - Dominik Szoboszlai
It is not a decision that Slot will want to make but his lack of right-back options mean that Szoboszlai will have to continue in the role. He was excellent against Newcastle.
CB - Ibrahima Konate
The France international was imperious against Newcastle on his return following compassionate leave. If he delivers a similar performance then Liverpool will have a huge chance of victory.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
The Liverpool skipper gets set for his latest battle with Erling Haaland. It was the Man City striker who very much came out on top last time out.
LB - Milos Kerkez
The £40 million summer signing has made fine progress in recent weeks and will be tasked with keeping his former Bournemouth team-mate Antoine Semenyo quiet.
CM - Ryan Gravenberch
The Dutchman’s role has slightly tweaked of late and he’s been given more of a licence to roam forward as long as there is sufficient cover. However, he could be asked to shield the defence more given City’s quality.
CM - Alexis Mac Allister
Started to show a semblance of the form he displayed last season. If Gravenberch does get forward then Mac Allister will have to keep his discipline and cover.
CM - Curtis Jones
The 25-year-old has found himself out of the team in recent weeks and was linked with a move to Inter Milan. Slot may want to pack his engine room and that could see Jones handed a return.
RW - Mo Salah
The Egypt international has been City’s scourge over the years. He would relish another goal against Guardiola’s side.
ST - Hugo Ekitike
In absolutely devastating form and will look to wreak havoc against City’s defence.
LW - Florian Wirtz
Having Wirtz able to help out in midfield and be able to weave his magic could be a tactic Slot deploys.
Mamardashvili, Robertson, Gomez, Ramsay, Endo, Nyoni, Gakpo, Chiesa, Ngumoha
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