Image for “I’d expect…” – Journalist reveals what Liverpool’s attack is likely to be vs. Man City
Image for “I’d expect…” – Journalist reveals what Liverpool’s attack is likely to be vs. Man City
Liverpool are facing various injury problems ahead of their much-anticipated Premier League clash with Manchester City, but who will start in attack?
The Reds return to action for a potentially explosive contest on Sunday afternoon, with the Anfield fans set to give City a raucous welcome after recent developments.
It promises to be a taxing afternoon for the visitors, who have become public enemy No.1 in the game, with Gary Neville predicting it to be “brutal” for them:
“If they want an understanding of how angry the game is going to be, then Anfield will tell them. Like you would never believe. I suspect there may be banners, there will certainly be chanting. There will be a reception for them like you have never seen. It will be a brutal day.”
Liverpool may be without both Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak for the game, however, with the attacking pair picking up injuries during the international break for the Netherlands and Sweden, respectively.
Writing on X on Thursday, This Is Anfield‘s Jack Lusby said what he believes the Reds’ front three will be at Anfield: “No other new injury concerns for LFC. Federico Chiesa returns. I’d expect a front three of Barcola, Ngumoha and one of Munoz/Koumas.”
Will Anfield crowd inspire Liverpool to win vs. Man City?
Sunday’s match promises to be such a big occasion, with Jamie Carragher another of those who thinks City could be in for a long afternoon after being found guilty of all charges related to breaches of Premier League financial rules:
“I think it will be very difficult for City now this season in terms of going on to achieve anything. Of course there might be sanctions as the season goes on, but every away ground that they go to will be the best atmosphere in that stadium that season. Everyone is baying for blood, so it will be very difficult for their players and manager to achieve anything.”
Not having both Gakpo and Isak available will be a big blow, however, with the former finding top form again after a poor 2025/26 season, and the latter back in the goals and starting to look like Liverpool’s record signing.
Should they both be out, which remains to be seen, the onus will be on Bradley Barcola to spark into life after a slow start in a Reds shirt, with the Frenchman still looking for his first goal or assist for the club.
There is a chance that he could even play down the middle, with Rio Ngumoha on the left wing, looking to find the form that saw him burst onto the scene last term.
There is also the option of using the ever-busy Lewis Koumas as the No.9 role, allowing Barcola to be out wide, but it feels more likely that Victor Munoz will be given the nod.
The Spaniard has more experience than Koumas, which could be vital in such a high-profile fixture, and either way, Andoni Iraola has some big decisions to make.