Liverpool want to transfer a formidable 11 factors away from reigning Premier League champions Manchester Metropolis on Sunday afternoon.
The Reds lock horns with Pep Guardiola’s misfiring Man Metropolis at Anfield as they search to increase their benefit on the Premier League’s summit, with Wednesday night’s 2-0 win over European champions Actual Madrid the right warm-up for a crunch conflict between two of the world’s finest. The Cityzens could also be off color at current however they nonetheless boast an distinctive squad.
Accidents haven’t been brutal for Liverpool this season nevertheless it’s simple to overlook that the Reds have been with out Alisson, Diogo Jota and summer time recruit Federico Chiesa for a quantity weeks. Sadly for Slot, Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas and Conor Bradley have lately added themselves to the damage listing, too.
Right here is how Liverpool may line up for a mammoth encounter.
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – Saving a penalty from Kylian Mbappe at Anfield is a profession spotlight for Kelleher however he cannot afford to relaxation on his laurels. The Irishman can be examined lots by Man Metropolis this weekend.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Bradley’s damage would have been disastrous for Liverpool if it wasn’t for the return of Alexander-Arnold this weekend. Liverpool’s No.66 scored in opposition to Man Metropolis final season and can be desirous to have an identical influence on Sunday.
CB: Joe Gomez – With Konate out of Sunday’s battle, Gomez could earn an more and more uncommon begin. Jarell Quansah has been one of many few disappointments for Liverpool initially of the Slot period and Gomez’s expertise may show helpful in stifling Erling Haaland and co.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – One defender Liverpool cannot afford to lose is their skipper, who has been totally dominant for the Reds this time period. Duels between the Dutchman and Haaland are at all times a captivating watch.
LB: Andy Robertson – Regardless of Liverpool’s spectacular kind, Robertson has been off the boil. He is conceded penalties in his final two matches and Man Metropolis could also be in search of to focus on the Scotsman on the weekend.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch – There have been query marks over whether or not Gravenberch might be the reply to Liverpool’s holding midfield points on the large stage. Properly, the victory over Madrid put these inquiries to mattress following one other good show from the Dutchman.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister – Mac Allister scored a cracking purpose midweek and provided a efficiency to match in opposition to Madrid. He was on the coronary heart of issues on this fixture final time period, netting a penalty earlier than late drama by which he may have gained a spot kick.
RW: Mohamed Salah – The uber-consistent Salah was as shocked as anybody within the stands as he blazed a penalty extensive on Wednesday. Do not anticipate him to make that mistake twice, with the Egyptian having scored 11 and assisted six in 21 conferences with Sunday’s opponents.
AM: Curtis Jones – Jones is within the type of his life this season as Slot continues to nurture the native lad. He ought to get the nod forward of the hit-and-miss Dominik Szoboszlai regardless of that includes for 83 minutes midweek.
LW: Cody Gakpo – The battle between Luis Diaz and Gakpo for the beginning place on the left wing is just too near name, however one other purpose from the latter in opposition to Madrid could tip the scales in his favour this weekend.
ST: Darwin Nunez – Nunez has proven promising indicators in latest weeks and can be eager to stretch a defence that has been extensive open these days. Man Metropolis have conceded 15 of their final 5 outings, which can be music to the Uruguayan’s ears.
