Liverpool Starting XI vs Man City: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Liverpool travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon for one of the defining fixtures of the Premier League season, as Arne Slot’s side prepare to face Manchester City. With both clubs in strong form and separated by fine margins at the top of the table, the manager’s team selection has become the subject of considerable attention.

Slot assesses fitness of returning stars

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Slot offered an encouraging update on one of Liverpool’s recent absentees, revealing that a key forward could return to the squad this weekend. “He will train with the team again today after being three weeks out,” Slot explained. “Our rehab staff have done an excellent job, but as I’ve said before, there’s a difference between recovery work and match fitness. He’ll need time to reach his previous level.”

The Liverpool boss is unlikely to make wholesale changes, but the potential return of the Swedish forward provides another attacking option from the bench. His match sharpness remains in question, however, and he may not dislodge Hugo Ekitike, who is expected to retain his place leading the line.

Mamardashvili set to continue in goal

With first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker still sidelined, Giorgi Mamardashvili is again expected to start between the posts. The Georgian has impressed since stepping in, keeping consecutive clean sheets against Aston Villa and Real Madrid. Slot’s faith in him has grown quickly, and he will aim to make it three in a row at the Etihad – a feat that would underline his credentials as a capable deputy.

Behind a well-drilled backline led by Virgil van Dijk, Mamardashvili’s composure and distribution have given Liverpool a reliable foundation. The defence is likely to remain unchanged, with Conor Bradley continuing at right-back and Andy Robertson reclaiming his left-back role after being preferred to Milos Kerkez in recent outings.

Midfield structure and attacking balance

Slot appears to have rediscovered the formula that powered Liverpool’s previous title-winning campaign. Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch are set to anchor the midfield, offering both control and forward thrust. Dominik Szoboszlai, whose influence has grown in recent weeks, is expected to operate slightly higher up the pitch, linking play and pressing from advanced areas.

In attack, the balance between creativity and directness remains crucial. Mohamed Salah’s presence on the right remains non-negotiable, while Cody Gakpo could return to the starting eleven to provide versatility in the front line. That adjustment would see big-money summer arrival Florian Wirtz make way, giving Liverpool more fluidity in transition and an extra pressing threat against City’s back line.

Predicted Liverpool line-up

Predicted XI: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike

Injured: Frimpong, Leoni, Alisson
Doubts: Isak
Kick-off: 4.30pm GMT, Sunday 9 November 2025
Venue: Etihad Stadium
How to watch: Sky Sports

Liverpool arrive at the Etihad in excellent form, but this fixture will test every aspect of Slot’s evolving system. Maintaining defensive discipline while retaining the aggression that defined their recent victories could determine whether they leave Manchester with a result or simply admiration for another near-miss performance.