Liverpool will resume their rivalry with Manchester City when they lock horns in a blockbuster clash in the Premier League on Sunday.
While both teams have stood toe-to-toe in the quest to be the best in the English top flight over the past few seasons, they have experienced contrasting fortunes this term. The Reds have been a juggernaut under Arne Slot, flying at the top of the table, while the Sky Blues have hit new lows, stagnating outside the top four.
Although Liverpool have established a strong foothold in the title race, they appear to be losing momentum after managing only one win in their last three games, including two draws against Everton and Aston Villa.
Despite taking the lead against Villa through Mohamed Salah, Liverpool were overwhelmed by Unai Emery’s side for large spells and only managed to eke out a 2-2 draw, thanks to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s equaliser. Moreover, the result has once again provided an opportunity for Arsenal to close the gap, as they currently trail by eight points, with a game in hand.
Liverpool will be keen to avoid further setbacks and will look to complete a league double over Manchester City this weekend, having beaten them 2-0 at Anfield earlier this season.
Liverpool Team News
Conor Bradley limped off injured during the game against Aston Villa and is expected to be ruled out against Manchester City. Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo is sidelined with a knock and his involvement is a major doubt.
All the goals from #MCILIV ’15 😮💨🔴 pic.twitter.com/TyJDox4dIn
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 22, 2025
Joe Gomez is recovering from surgery on his hamstring and is unlikely to feature anytime soon.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Manchester City
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker had a tough night against Aston Villa but that won’t undermine the excellence he has shown throughout this season. He will look to be sharp against Manchester City’s attack.
Defence
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk should rise to the occasion against the Cityzens, with the centre-back duo experiencing a difficult outing against the Villans. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who bailed out the Reds with his equaliser against the Lions, will continue as the right back, with Andrew Robertson on the left in the Liverpool lineup.
Midfield
Arne Slot will stick to his go-to trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai in the midfield, though they were found wanting on a few occasions against Aston Villa. Slot has the option of calling Endo and Harvey Elliot into the Liverpool lineup, but it’s likely the duo will get their chance off the bench rather than the onset.
Attack
Curtis Jones featured as the left winger against Aston Villa in midweek but he might be replaced by Luis Diaz in the Liverpool lineup when the Reds face Manchester City. Diogo Jota should start up top ahead of Darwin Nunez while Mohamed Salah will look to improve his goals tally from the right wing in the Liverpool lineup.
