Liverpool v Manchester City Team News Ahead of Anfield Showdown

Liverpool and Manchester City meet at Anfield on Sunday for a 4.30pm GMT kick off that feels weighty even by their own elevated standards. The Premier League champions under Arne Slot welcome Pep Guardiola’s City with both sides juggling injuries, rotation concerns and the small matter of momentum as the season enters its sharpest phase. Team News will play a decisive role in shaping how this contest unfolds.

Liverpool Squad Update Under Slot

Liverpool approach the weekend with cautious optimism around Joe Gomez. The defender has missed the last two matches after picking up an injury at AFC Bournemouth, but there is hope he may yet feature in the matchday squad.

Slot explained the situation clearly in his media briefing, saying: “Jeremie will definitely not train this week, so he’s not available for the weekend.

“With Joe, we have a little bit of hope that he might train Saturday. So, not available to start but maybe available to help the team if needed during the game because, as you already know, there are not that many defenders available at the moment.”

That context matters. Liverpool’s defensive resources are stretched, and Slot has shown a willingness to manage risk carefully rather than rush players back. Jeremie Frimpong is ruled out after being forced off in the Champions League win over Qarabag with a muscle problem, leaving Liverpool short of options in wide defensive areas.

In terms of long-term absentees, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Alexander Isak all remain sidelined.

Manchester City Fitness Watch

Manchester City’s Team News is no less nuanced. Guardiola confirmed uncertainty over Bernardo Silva, who missed the Carabao Cup win over Newcastle after picking up a knock at Tottenham.

When asked about his availability, Guardiola was characteristically blunt: “Don’t know yet, tomorrow training.”

There was more positive news elsewhere. Ruben Dias returned to the squad as an unused substitute after a month out with a hamstring injury, and Guardiola welcomed his return, saying: “He’s back. We’ll see if he will play minutes, but good news for us.”

John Stones has also taken a step forward, with Guardiola adding: “John made yesterday the first training session with the team and is step by step coming back.”

Attacking Options and Selection Calls

Erling Haaland was rested against Newcastle and his status naturally dominates discussion. Guardiola offered little clarity, sticking to his long held view: “Always I said, Erling is the best striker in the world. I don’t know [if he will start at Anfield]. We will see tomorrow. Always, I say Erling is the best.”

Jeremy Doku remains sidelined, while Savinho has not featured since New Year’s Day. City still boast depth, but sharpness and rhythm are open questions.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.

Man City Predicted XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait-Nouri, O’Reilly, Rodri, Cherki, Foden, Semenyo, Haaland