While the Reds have troubled Pep Guardiola’s side unlike any other (Tottenham notwithstanding) since the Spaniard arrived in Manchester, the Cityzens have dominated this fixture on their home patch.
However, with City entering Saturday’s clash with a mountain of injuries, Liverpool should see this as a great chance to lay down their title credentials.
Jurgen Klopp is set to welcome back multiple players to his matchday squad from knocks this weekend, and here’s the starting lineup he could opt for.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Man City (4-3-3)
GK: Alisson – The Brazilian will be returning from South America just days before this fixture, but there are no doubts over his spot between the sticks.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – The full-back-cum-midfielder starred in an advanced position for England over the break, and Klopp will surely give him the license to create from central areas at the Etihad. He needs protection against Jeremy Doku.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – Perhaps Konate will be Trent’s key protector. The towering Frenchman is set to return to the side having recovered from a knock over the break.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – Van Dijk has returned to his imperious best at the start of 2023/24 and neutrals will be hoping for a duel with Erling Haaland on Saturday.
LB: Joe Gomez – Klopp is set to favour the out-of-position but more robust Gomez over Kostas Tsimikas.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister – The Argentina hasn’t looked especially comfortable in a holding position at the start of his Liverpool career, and this would be a good chance to either start him on the bench or use him further upfield. However, Klopp will likely stick with Mac Allister as his number six despite the potential fatigue.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch – The dynamic Dutch midfielder is starting to impress in a Liverpool shirt and he’s said to have overcome a minor injury over the break.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai – The star summer arrival has been in stellar form at the start of the campaign and he could be Liverpool’s x-factor in what is Szoboszlai’s first taste of this highly-anticipated fixture.
RW: Mohamed Salah – Salah has so often been City’s kryptonite in the past, and he’ll play a leading role again on Saturday. The winger has scored 11 goals in 19 games against the Cityzens.
ST: Cody Gakpo – Expect Klopp to use Nunez off the bench in this one and utilise Gakpo from the outset.
LW: Luis Diaz – With Gakpo providing a focal point in central positions, Liverpool need speed on their flanks to exploit City’s aggressive defensive line. With his personal troubles now sorted, Diaz is ready for his Premier League season to come to life after the November break.
