Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, with both sides facing a demanding Premier League contest. The match presents a major test for Andoni Iraola, who needs his players to combine attacking ambition with defensive discipline against Enzo Maresca’s City side.
My Liverpool predicted XI vs Manchester City features a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Alexander Isak leading the attack and Florian Wirtz operating behind him. I would select a midfield pairing of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister to provide energy, passing quality and protection for the back four.
Liverpool’s recent results offer reasons for confidence. They beat Bournemouth 1-0, defeated Tottenham 3-1 and earned a 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid. However, a goalless draw against Fulham showed that Liverpool can struggle to turn possession into goals when opponents defend deep. Their 2-0 win over Ipswich further strengthened the case for an attacking approach.
City will demand greater precision. Liverpool must move the ball quickly, exploit space behind the opposition defence and avoid losing possession in dangerous areas. Iraola’s selection should reflect those demands, particularly with several important players unavailable.
The injury list includes Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitiké. Bradley and Ekitiké face lengthy spells out, while the expected return dates for Leoni and Chiesa fall in mid-October. Gakpo could return sooner, although his ankle problem makes his availability uncertain.
What is my predicted Liverpool starting XI against Manchester City?
I would keep Alisson Becker in goal, with Ronald Araújo and Miloš Kerkez occupying the full-back positions. Joseph Gomez would partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back, giving Liverpool a combination of recovery pace and experience.
In midfield, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister would share defensive duties while helping Liverpool build attacks through short passes. Wirtz would take the central attacking role, linking midfield with the forward line and finding openings between City’s defensive and midfield units.
Víctor Muñoz and Bradley Barcola would provide width on either side. Their pace could stretch City’s defence, create space for Wirtz and give Isak opportunities inside the penalty area. Liverpool would need their wide players to track back, especially when City attack down the flanks.
Isak gets the nod as the central striker because his movement and finishing could prove valuable in a high-profile contest. Liverpool should look to supply him early rather than allow City to settle into a compact defensive shape.
This is my predicted selection, rather than a confirmed team sheet. Liverpool’s final choices will depend on player fitness and any late changes before kick-off. My Liverpool predicted XI vs Manchester City prioritises pace, technical quality and a midfield capable of competing for possession at Anfield.
Liverpool predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson Becker; Ronald Araújo, Joseph Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Miloš Kerkez; Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister; Víctor Muñoz, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola; Alexander Isak.
