Liverpool are looking to move an impressive 11 points clear of reigning Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
The Reds lock horns with Pep Guardiola’s misfiring Man City at Anfield as they seek to extend their advantage at the Premier League’s summit, with Wednesday evening’s 2-0 win over European champions Real Madrid the perfect warm-up for a crunch clash between two of the world’s best. The Cityzens may be off colour at present but they still boast an exceptional squad.
Injuries have not been brutal for Liverpool this season but it’s easy to forget that the Reds have been without Alisson, Diogo Jota and summer recruit Federico Chiesa for a number weeks. Unfortunately for Slot, Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas and Conor Bradley have recently added themselves to the injury list, too.
Here is how Liverpool could line up for a mammoth encounter.
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – Saving a penalty from Kylian Mbappe at Anfield is a career highlight for Kelleher but he can’t afford to rest on his laurels. The Irishman will be tested plenty by Man City this weekend.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Bradley’s injury would have been disastrous for Liverpool if it wasn’t for the return of Alexander-Arnold this weekend. Liverpool’s No.66 scored against Man City last season and will be eager to have a similar impact on Sunday.
CB: Joe Gomez – With Konate out of Sunday’s battle, Gomez may earn an increasingly rare start. Jarell Quansah has been one of the few disappointments for Liverpool at the start of the Slot era and Gomez’s experience could prove handy in stifling Erling Haaland and co.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – One defender Liverpool can’t afford to lose is their skipper, who has been utterly dominant for the Reds this term. Duels between the Dutchman and Haaland are always a fascinating watch.
LB: Andy Robertson – Despite Liverpool’s impressive form, Robertson has been off the boil. He’s conceded penalties in his last two matches and Man City may be seeking to target the Scotsman at the weekend.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch – There were question marks over whether Gravenberch could be the answer to Liverpool’s holding midfield issues on the big stage. Well, the victory over Madrid put those questions to bed following another brilliant display from the Dutchman.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister – Mac Allister scored a cracking goal midweek and offered a performance to match against Madrid. He was at the heart of things in this fixture last term, netting a penalty before late drama in which he could have won a spot kick.
RW: Mohamed Salah – The uber-consistent Salah was as shocked as anyone in the stands as he blazed a penalty wide on Wednesday. Don’t expect him to make that mistake twice, with the Egyptian having scored 11 and assisted six in 21 meetings with Sunday’s opponents.
AM: Curtis Jones – Jones is in the form of his life this season as Slot continues to nurture the local lad. He should get the nod ahead of the hit-and-miss Dominik Szoboszlai despite featuring for 83 minutes midweek.
LW: Cody Gakpo – The battle between Luis Diaz and Gakpo for the starting position on the left wing is too close to call, but another goal from the latter against Madrid may tip the scales in his favour this weekend.
ST: Darwin Nunez – Nunez has shown promising signs in recent weeks and will be keen to stretch a defence that has been wide open lately. Man City have conceded 15 in their last five outings, which will be music to the Uruguayan’s ears.