Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Man City as Arne Slot gives ‘exceptional’ player first Premier League start of season

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Liverpool can record an 11 point cushion over Manchester City in the Premier League by beating the champions on Sunday.

The Reds have put themselves into an incredible position after 12 matches of the season.

Following an unprecedented run of bad form for Pep Guardiola’s side, Liverpool head into the game at Anfield as heavy favourites.

Nevertheless, the Reds have one or two injury issues, with a knee problem for Ibrahima Konate a real blow for Arne Slot.

Slot must decide who comes in for the impressive Konate while also juggling the rest of the Liverpool squad ahead of a crucial period of the season.

Here’s who we think the Liverpool head coach will pick for the Reds’ biggest game of the campaign so far.

Defence

Caoimhin Kelleher was once again in the headlines on Wednesday after a penalty save from Kylian Mbappe.

Alisson Becker is getting closer to fitness and if the Brazilian is ready then Slot will have a decision to make. But so far there is little indication to suggest that Alisson is back, which means Kelleher is likely to go again.

A similar call awaits Slot at centre-back. While Virgil van Dijk is certain to start, it will be intriguing to see who the boss picks alongside him.

Joe Gomez was ‘exceptional‘ during his last substantial outing against Brighton, though, and we think the 27-year-old should – and will – get the nod for his first Premier League start of the season.

Owing to injury for Conor Bradley, Trent Alexander-Arnold will come back in, while a similar problem for Kostas Tsimikas will mean Andy Robertson plays again, too.

Midfield

Slot’s midfield has felt like picking three players from four for a while now and that is set to continue on Sunday.

Alexis Mac Allister thrived against Real Madrid and the Argentine should be one of the first names on the teamsheet for City as a result.

READ MORE: Peter Crouch predicts ‘resounding’ score for Liverpool against Man City

Ryan Gravenberch is similarly influential right now, and it seems impossible that the Dutchman will not play again on Sunday.

That leaves Slot with a choice between Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai. And given that Jones started against Madrid, we think the boss may have been saving Szoboszlai’s legs for this one.

Attack

Liverpool could have one more option to pick from in their attack, with Federico Chiesa surely not far away now.

However, the Italian is unlikely to be considered against City meaning that, much like with his midfield, Slot is selecting three out of four in the forward line.

Again, we think the 46-year-old will make one change. Luis Diaz excelled when moved centrally against Madrid and we think that will force Slot’s hand a little.

Cody Gakpo got his goal from the bench as well, and it would be fair to bring the Netherlands international in for Darwin Nunez as a result. As always, Mohamed Salah will go again against one of his favourite opposition.