Two unbeaten sides in the Premier League this season renew hostilities on Sunday, as Liverpool and Manchester City are set to clash at Anfield.
Liverpool have had a steady start to the Andoni Iraola era, winning two and drawing three in the Premier League. Prior to the international break, the Reds beat Bournemouth 1-0 as Iraola enjoyed a happy homecoming at the Vitality Stadium.
The Merseysiders will be eager to keep their unbeaten streak alive against Manchester City, who are emerging from the international break with the only 100% record in the Premier League. After the Sky Blues were found guilty by an independent commission of all charges relating to breaches of the competition’s financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons, it is expected to be a cauldron-like atmosphere at Anfield.
Liverpool Team News
Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both returned early from international duty after suffering injuries, and Iraola says they are doubtful to face Manchester City.
Jeremy Jacquet had missed France’s Nations League clash with Belgium on Monday evening with a slight hamstring strain, but Liverpool supporters breathed a huge sigh of relief when the defender was spotted in training on Thursday. Liverpool received another big boost, as Federico Chiesa, who has yet to kick a ball this season, was back in training at the AXA Training Centre on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni remain long-term injury absentees for Liverpool.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League in the last six years, Alisson Becker remains a certainty to start for Liverpool against Manchester City.
Defence
Virgil van Dijk celebrated his 100th international cap by helping the Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 in a UEFA Nations League fixture on Monday evening. The towering Dutchman is expected to marshal Liverpool’s troops from the back against Man City. Partnering him in central defence will be Jeremy Jacquet, who has quickly adapted to the demands of Premier League football following his move from Rennes.
Ronald Araujo has cemented his spot at right-back, with Iraola impressed by the Uruguayan’s passing, physicality and reading of the game. Milos Kerkez continues to be the weak link in Liverpool’s defence, but Iraola is set to stick with him at left-back.
Midfield
Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have been the go-to starters in recent weeks. They are expected to continue in central midfield, with Florian Wirtz operating ahead of the duo in the No.10 role. The Liverpool trio have to be at their best to dominate Man City’s midfield.
Ryan Gravenberch and Trey Nyoni could get opportunities to make an impact off the bench.
Attack
If Isak and Gakpo both aren’t fit, Bradley Barcola could play up top centrally with Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha out wide. Iraola may want Barcola, Munoz and Ngumoha to be flexible and constantly interchange their positions to cause problems for Man City’s defence.
Virgil van Dijk In Defence: Predicted 4-2-3-1 Liverpool Lineup vs Manchester City 1
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