Liverpool vs Manchester City Tactical Preview: Team News, Key Men, Streaming Update

An emphatic 7-1 win against the Glasgow Rangers has been a welcome boost for Liverpool following last weekend’s defeat against Premier League leaders Arsenal. Having said that, the Reds are still struggling both in midfield and defence, and they might suffer more misery at Anfield against free-scoring Manchester City on Sunday evening.

The Citizens settled for a scoreless draw in their midweek Champions League outing versus Copenhagen. But they will go with all guns blazing against this depleted Liverpool side, particularly after going down 3-1 in the FA Community Shield two and a half months ago. Pep Guardiola did not deploy Erling Haaland on Tuesday and the venomous Viking ace must be smelling blood ahead of clashing heads with the Merseysiders.

Liverpool vs Manchester City: Talking Tactics

Liverpool’s 4-3-3 has been decoded by the Premier League opponents who have attacked their space and exposed their weakness. Jurgen Klopp, therefore, has tweaked his set-up in recent games and should continue to do so by lining them up in a 4-4-2 (or 4-2-3-1) formation. Mohamed Salah must feature centrally as he has been found isolated down the wide.

Manchester City have ample options across the pitch and their Spanish chief is expected to stick to a 4-3-3 that worked splendidly during last week’s commanding 6-3 victory against Man United. Their flexibility in the centre of the pitch could see them shifting to a 4-2-3-1 to be more direct and effective from counter-attacking threats.

Team News

Liverpool

Injuries have troubled the Reds so far this campaign. The absence of Luis Diaz is a massive blow, whereas the likes of Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold will remain sidelined for this high-profile encounter. Arthur Melo is the other long-term absentee, but the gaffer is expecting to have Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita back in a few weeks time.

Liverpool Predicted XI

Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Thiago, Henderson; Jota, Firmino, Elliott; Salah

Manchester City

City will be without their key defensive pair John Stones and Kyle Walker, but they are well-equipped across the backline both in terms of depth and quality. Kalvin Phillips is not available for selection as he continues his recovery from a long-standing shoulder injury.

Manchester City Predicted XI

Ederson; Akanji, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Foden, Mahrez, Haaland

Key Men

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah recorded the fastest hat-trick in Champions League history after appearing as a late substitute against the Gers. This must uplift his confidence after a dreadful start, also the in-form Roberto Firmino must inspire them to defy the odds.

Manchester City

Star-studded Skyblues are flying high with Haaland banging hat tricks for fun. Phil Foden has joined the party with his skill and flair, but the energy and creative spark of Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva should pull the strings and orchestrate the show from the middle of the park.

Liverpool vs Manchester City: Streaming Links