Liverpool vs Man City: Slot expected to stick with Szoboszlai at right-back, though one key tweak is anticipated
Liverpool welcome Manchester City to Anfield on Sunday in what promises to be a blockbuster clash between two of the Premier League’s dominant forces of the past decade.
The Reds are pushing for victory as they look to build momentum heading into the latter stages of the campaign. City, meanwhile, are under pressure, knowing any further dropped points could seriously damage their hopes of reeling in Arsenal at the summit.
With stakes high on Merseyside, the atmosphere is expected to be electric, and supporters will be eager to soak it all in live. Fans hoping to attend can find details on how to secure tickets for Liverpool vs Manchester City.
Liverpool predicted XI vs Man City
Arne Slot is widely expected to name an unchanged side following last weekend’s emphatic 4-1 win over Newcastle.
The headline selection once again sees Dominik Szoboszlai operating in an inverted right-back role. With Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley sidelined through injury, the Hungarian is likely to continue providing extra control in midfield during build-up play.
The only defensive adjustment tipped for this fixture is Andy Robertson’s return at left-back, with the Scotland international set to come in for Milos Kerkez. Ibrahima Konaté should partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back, while Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch anchor the midfield.
Up front, Liverpool’s evolving attack has caught plenty of attention. Hugo Ekitike, fresh from a brace against Newcastle, is expected to lead the line, supported by Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo on the flanks, with Florian Wirtz operating just behind.
Predicted lineup:
• GK: Alisson Becker
• RB: Dominik Szoboszlai
• CB: Ibrahima Konaté
• CB: Virgil van Dijk
• LB: Andy Robertson
• CM: Ryan Gravenberch
• CM: Alexis Mac Allister
• LW: Cody Gakpo
• AM: Florian Wirtz
• RW: Mohamed Salah
• ST: Hugo Ekitike
Form comparison: Liverpool vs Manchester City
The two sides arrive at Anfield in very different form. Liverpool appear to be gathering pace in early 2026, while City have endured a spell of inconsistency, compounded by an unusual lack of goals from Erling Haaland.
Liverpool – last six Premier League matches:
• W 4-1 vs Newcastle
• L 2-3 vs Bournemouth
• D 1-1 vs Burnley
• D 0-0 vs Arsenal
• D 2-2 vs Fulham
• D 0-0 vs Leeds
Manchester City – last six Premier League matches:
• D 2-2 vs Spurs
• W 2-0 vs Wolves
• L 0-2 vs Man United
• D 1-1 vs Brighton
• D 1-1 vs Chelsea
• D 0-0 vs Sunderland
Although City cruised to a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in November, Anfield has traditionally posed problems for Pep Guardiola’s side.
With Liverpool’s revamped forward line beginning to find its rhythm, the hosts are expected to offer a far greater attacking threat than they did earlier in the season at the Etihad.
