Liverpool travel to Man City on Sunday looking to regain some momentum in their push for the Premier League title
The Reds have hit a bump in recent weeks having entered a tough period in their schedule, which continued on Wednesday as Arne Slot’s team drew 2-2 with Aston Villa
This followed an underwhelming display by Liverpool against Wolves, a draw with Everton at Goodison Park, and an exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Plymouth.
Things do not get any easier for the Reds with their trip to Man City on Sunday as the Etihad Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for Liverpool in the past.
Erling Haaland could be absent for Man City but that will not stop the Manchester club from causing Slot’s men problems and therefore, the Dutch coach will need his best team available.
Defence
Having failed to achieve clean sheets in Liverpool’s three most recent matches, Alisson Becker will be looking to keep Man City out on Sunday as no surprises are expected in the goalkeeping position.
Trent Alexander-Arnold showed Liverpool fans why he is still committed to the Reds with his performance on Wednesday night and the fact the full-back was taken off early, suggests he is a nailed-on starter against City.
Many felt Kostas Tsimikas would be handed a start against Aston Villa, however, Slot went with Andy Robertson for the fifth Premier League game in a row and Sunday will be six
At centre-back, no changes are expected as Liverpool are expected to field their strongest pairing in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate to keep Man City’s attackers quiet.
Midfield
Just like the defence, Slot is very likely to field his strongest midfield trio as there is no real case for anyone else to come in and replace them.
Therefore, when the team sheets are handed around on Sunday, Liverpool fans should expect to see Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai on them.
The trio have been very reliable for Slot this season and despite questions related to whether they are tired or not, the Dutch coach simply has to play them against Man City
Attack
If there are any changes to Slot’s starting 11 against Aston Villa it will come in the attacking areas of his team as there are concerns, especially around the fitness of Cody Gakpo.
We think Slot will take a chance on the Dutch star against Man City and replace Curtis Jones with the 25-year-old on the left wing as the Netherlands international has been fantastic for the Reds this season, producing 16 goals and five assists across 36 games
Following Darwin Nunez’s miss against Aston Villa, alongside Diogo Jota’s struggles in front of goal at Villa Park, Slot is expected to go with Luis Diaz through the middle instead of the £41m star.
Rounding off the starting 11, Mohamed Salah will look to continue his good record against Man City from the right, with the Egyptian set to play a big role in any success Liverpool have at the Etihad.
Liverpool’s predicted starting XI vs Man City