Liverpool will entertain Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday hoping to pick up a win and go nine points clear at the top of the league standings. The Reds are in an excellent run of form as they have won ten of their eleven matches in the Premier League this season. However, the Citizens are hot on their heels and could close the gap to just three points with a positive result at Merseyside this weekend.
Jurgen Klopp is expected to stick with his favoured 4-3-3 formation and might bring most of his first-team players back for this season-defining clash versus Pep Guardiola’s men.
4-3-3 Liverpool Predicted Lineup To Face Manchester City
Defence
Alisson Becker will start in between the sticks despite managing to keep only one clean sheet in the Premier League this season. Joel Matip is still out of action with an injury, so Dejan Lovren is expected to start alongside Virgil Van Dijk at the centre of Klopp’s backline. The Croatian defender was rested in midweek so he should get the nod ahead of Joe Gomez this weekend.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will once again look to create a lot of chances for his side going forward. He will be dangerous from set-pieces and will hope to get forward at every opportunity he gets while operating as the right-back. Andrew Robertson will focus on putting in another tireless shift down the left flank. The Scottish full-back will try to link up with Sadio Mane to get to the by-line and deliver some inviting crosses into the Man City penalty box.
The Reds have struggled to secure clean sheets at the back this season. Therefore, this upcoming match against the English champions will be a big test for the Liverpool defenders as they will be expected to put in a resolute defensive display in front of the home supporters at Anfield.
Midfield
Klopp might choose to go with his tried and tested midfield trio of Georginio Wijnaldum, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson. They will focus on breaking down the opposition plays by pressing and harassing them high up the pitch.
James Milner, Naby Keita, Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will all have to wait for their opportunity on the Liverpool bench. All four of them has shown in the recent past that they can make a positive impact as a substitute. Oxlade-Chamberlain has especially caught the eye after scoring four goals for the Merseyside giants this season.
Attack
The magnificent front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah are guaranteed starters in this game. The recent form of Salah is a bit concerning but Mane, on the other hand, has stepped up to become Liverpool’s most potent weapon up top. Firmino will once again drop into pockets of spaces in midfield and try to cook up some decent openings for others around him.
Divock Origi will be a part of Klopp’s bench and might come on to make an impact if needed.
