Diaz To Start | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Liverpool Lineup To Face Manchester City | OneFootball

Liverpool were flying high at the top of the Premier League standings until recently when they dropped points on the road following back-to-back draws against Everton and Aston Villa.  Although trailing by eight points with a game in hand, Arsenal could reduce the gap to five if they register a victory over West Ham United. The Reds, therefore, must aim for all three points at Etihad to avoid further jeopardy in the title race.

Manchester City are having a dreadful campaign having been knocked off from the Champions League following a midweek humiliation against Real Madrid. The reigning English champions are only contesting for a ‘top four’ finish so far this season, but the winter reinforcements have boosted their performance in domestic competitions. Meanwhile, the fatigue, form and fitness woes could trouble the Merseysiders once more unless they uplift their game on Sunday evening.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Liverpool Lineup To Face Manchester City

Defence

Alisson Becker offers calmness and resilience in the last line of defence. But the Brazilian is expected to undergo another tricky test having been tested far too frequently in recent outings.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 01: Cody Gakpo of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield on December 01, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Arne Slot has rotated Trent Alexander-Arnold with Conor Bradley down the right. However, the latter’s injury against Villa would see the gaffer rely on the Three Lions ace who fired in the equalizer minutes before being subbed off on Wednesday night. Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk have been shaky and vulnerable in the heart of the backline. Yet the experience and expertise of the highest order should see them maintain composure and win the duels against Erling Haaland. Though far from his best, veteran Andrew Robertson might still be preferred over Kostas Tsimikas for the left-back spot. A fresh injury to Joe Gomez leaves Liverpool with Jarell Quansah as the only other centre-back available for selection.

Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch, who has been a revelation as a deep-lying playmaker, has been a little worn out of late due to the fixture congestion. He, alongside Alexis Mac Allister, must deal with City’s passing game by exhibiting their relentless press, swift movements and sharp intercepting traits. Wataru Endo must be introduced as a ‘super sub’ if they look to defend a narrow lead in the closing minutes of the contest.

Both Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones have impressed as a midfield attacker. But the Hungarian’s work rate and all-round attributes would be more efficacious in the middle of the park. Cody Gakpo remains a doubt due to fitness reasons, and the Dutch boss should opt for Luis Diaz on the left if his fellow compatriot fails to recover in time. Nevertheless, all eyes will be on Mohamed Salah as the Egyptian is breaking records almost every game while running down the wing.

Attack

Neither Diogo Jota nor Darwin Nunez has impressed high up the pitch. Luis Diaz, as a ‘number 9’, has not been effective either, and the manager might encounter a selection dilemma at Etihad. Having said that, Jota’s poaching skill makes him best suited for the role considering Nunez’s wastefulness and the dependency on Diaz as a wideman amid Gakpo’s potential absence.