Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool XI to face Man City – Can Salah break his duck?
League leaders Liverpool host second-placed Manchester City at home as the two sides clash for the first time this season in the league on Sunday.
The Jurgen Klopp-led Liverpool remain unbeaten and are six points ahead of defending champions City.
European champions Liverpool enter the match high on confidence after overcoming Belgian outfit Genk 2-1 in their Group E Champions League encounter earlier.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s City was held to a 1-1 stalemate by Italian side Atalanta.
As the two sides gear up for a blockbuster clash at Anfield, Liverpool seems to gain the upper hand as their unbeaten record at home could prove to be a task too difficult for the highest goal-scoring squad to prevail.
Team News
Centre-back Joel Matip still sits out as he recovers from a knee injury he picked up last month while Jordan Henderson’s involvement in the Sunday game still remains a doubt.
The midfielder sat out the match against Genk due to illness. Xherdan Shaqiri and long-time absentee Nathaniel Clyne too are ruled out due to injuries.
Predicted Liverpool XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Alisson Becker (GK)
Reds’ No. 1 custodian is back but hasn’t been in the best of forms, conceding in all the games since his return from calf-injury but is a definite pick.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
The phenomenal Trent Alexander-Arnold is a sure starter at right-back and Man City have to be wary of the threat posed by the Englishman.
Dejan Lovren (CB)
With Matip out, the Croatian has stepped in to fill the vacant spot. Lovren would mostly get the nod ahead of Englishman Joe Gomez as the latter has not featured in any of the league games this year.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
A definite choice for any coach in the world, the Dutchman is a composed campaigner at the back. Last year’s best defender of the season would be ready to tackle a potent City attack that has scored 34 goals this season.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
One of the regulars who was rested but brought on late against Genk, the Scotsman has had an impressive season.
Fabinho (CDM)
The Brazilian is now a regular in the team sheet and Klopp’s decision to rest him before the City game outlines his importance. He is the team’s engine and would be crucial in building up the play from behind.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (RCM)
The midfielder has been in electric form, scoring four goals in Liverpool’s last four matches. With Henderson out, Chamberlain might get an opportunity to cement his spot in the team.
Georginio Wijnaldum (LCM)
The Dutch midfielder’s quick instincts helped Liverpool get the lead against Genk. The creative Wijnaldum would be a starter against the Cityzens.
Sadio Mane (LW)
Another top-performer for the Reds this season, the Senegalese star is their top-scorer in the league with six goals.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
The Egyptian was a buzzing presence on the right against Genk and stood out with a beautiful assist. However, he hasn’t scored in the last three games.
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Roberto Firmino (CF)
The key man in Klopp’s attacking unit, Firmino is an irreplaceable presence in front of the goal. He has provided six assists in all competitions this year.
