Man City v Liverpool: Predicted Reds line up for trip to The Etihad

The Premier League returns on Saturday when the top two go head-to-head at The Etihad. 

Reigning champions Manchester City currently sit a point ahead of the Reds, who they host in the first game of the weekend.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been impressive of late, and the German will be keen to ensure that they leave Manchester with a positive result.

Here, we predict the XI that Klopp could select for the game.

Goalkeeper

Alisson has played every minute of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign so far, and the Brazilian is certain to continue for the trip to The Etihad.

Defenders

At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold will continue having started nine of the Reds’ 12 league games so far. The England international has provided only one assist in the competition so far this term, but he will be looking to have an impact at The Etihad.

Alexander-Arnold is set to start against Man City

In central defence, Ibrahima Konate faces a late fitness test and Joel Matip could therefore partner Virgil van Dijk. The pair will be tasked with keeping Erling Haaland – who has scored 49 goals in 47 Premier League matches – quiet on Saturday afternoon.

Andy Robertson remains sidelined after suffering an injury whilst on international duty last month, and Kostas Tsimikas will therefore once again deputise for the Scot. The Greece international has started three of their last four league games.

Midfielders

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister is set to return to the starting line up having missed Liverpool’s win over Brentford prior to the international break due to suspension. The Argentine has struggled with inconsistency since joining the Reds from Brighton and Hove Albion over the summer, but he could endear himself to the club’s supporters with an impressive display on Saturday.

Mac Allister has been inconsistent since joining Liverpool over the summer

Ryan Gravenberch is another player facing a race against time to be passed fit for the game, but the midfielder is expected to be ready and will likely line up alongside Dominik Szoboszlai. The pair have both made an instant impact at Anfield, and Klopp will be relying on them both to counter City’s dominant midfield.

Thiago Alcantara remains sidelined due to an ongoing hip injury.

Forwards

Mohamed Salah has been in sensational form so far this season, scoring ten goals in 12 league games. He boasts an impressive record against City, and Klopp will be hoping that the Egyptian can add to his tally on Saturday.

Salah has scored 11 times against Manchester City

Diogo Jota could be preferred to Darwin Nunez through the centre, with the latter having only recently returned from international duty with Uruguay.

On the left, Luis Diaz could be given the nod with the Colombian having enjoyed a good run of form of late. Diaz scored a late equaliser against Luton recently, and also netted twice to give Colombia a win over Brazil during the international break.

Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz