Liverpool and Manchester City meet at Anfield in a pivotal Premier League contest on the sixth matchday, with both sides seeking a result that could shape the early race at the top of the table.
The fixture is expected to be played in a highly charged atmosphere as two of English football’s leading teams go head-to-head. Africafoot has assessed the likely starting line-ups for the meeting.
Liverpool
Liverpool face several selection concerns after the international break, with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both carrying injuries sustained while on duty with their national teams.
The Reds will also be without Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike. Both players are continuing their rehabilitation programmes and remain unavailable for the visit of Manchester City.
Liverpool are expected to line up with Alisson in goal. Jeremie Frimpong, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil Van Dijk and Milos Kerkez could form the defensive unit.
Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are the likely midfield trio, while Victor Munoz, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola are expected to feature in attack.
Liverpool’s probable XI
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Defenders: Jeremie Frimpong, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil Van Dijk, Milos Kerkez
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai
Forwards: Victor Munoz, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola
Manchester City
Manchester City also have fitness issues to manage following the international break. Enzo Maresca must assess the condition of several players returning from international duty, including Nico O’Reilly, who was forced to leave the England camp.
Phil Foden will definitely miss the game, with the Manchester City forward still suspended for the Anfield fixture.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to start in goal. The probable back four consists of Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol.
Elliot Anderson, Rayan Cherki and Enzo Fernandez are the predicted midfielders, with Iliman Ndiaye, Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo set to lead the attack.
Manchester City’s probable XI
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders: Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Rayan Cherki, Enzo Fernandez
Forwards: Iliman Ndiaye, Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo
The match is Liverpool’s sixth Premier League fixture of the season. The listed odds make Liverpool 2.63 to win, with a draw priced at 3.85 and a Manchester City victory at 2.50.