Manchester City travel to Anfield on Sunday, 11 October, for a Premier League meeting with Liverpool, with both sides facing an important test early in the campaign. City have won all five league matches so far, scoring 13 goals and conceding five. That record gives Enzo Maresca’s side plenty of confidence before a demanding away fixture.
Manchester City predicted XI vs Liverpool: What could Maresca change?
Liverpool, managed by Andoni Iraola, will look to challenge City’s control and make the most of their home advantage. However, City’s recent results suggest they have started the season strongly, with victories over Sunderland, Norwich, Manchester United, FC Porto and Coventry.
There are selection questions, though. Nico O’Reilly remains doubtful with a muscle injury, while Antoine Semenyo faces uncertainty because of an ankle problem. Phil Foden is suspended until 17 October, ruling him out of this fixture.
Those absences could influence Maresca’s attacking choices. In my view, City can still field a dangerous front four, with Rayan Cherki creating chances between the lines and Jérémy Doku stretching Liverpool’s defence from the left.
How could Manchester City line up against Liverpool?
I expect Maresca to select a 4-2-3-1 formation, giving City a balance between midfield control and attacking movement. Gianluigi Donnarumma should start in goal, while Matheus Nunes could occupy the right-back position. Rúben Dias and Marc Guéhi would form the central defensive pairing, with Joško Gvardiol completing the back four.
Enzo Fernández and Elliot Anderson would provide the midfield platform. Fernández could help City progress possession through the middle, while Anderson would offer energy and defensive cover when Liverpool attack on the counter.
Ahead of them, Iliman Ndiaye could start on the right, Cherki could operate centrally, and Doku could take the left wing. This combination would give City pace out wide and a creative presence behind their main striker.
Erling Haaland remains my choice to lead the line. His movement inside the penalty area would give City a direct route to goal whenever their wide players reach the byline, or Cherki finds space between Liverpool’s midfield and defence.
This is my predicted selection rather than a confirmed team sheet. I would back Maresca to prioritise attacking quality while retaining two midfielders to protect the defence. My Manchester City predicted XI vs Liverpool therefore features Haaland as the focal point, with Cherki responsible for linking the midfield and attack.
Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Marc Guéhi, Joško Gvardiol; Enzo Fernández, Elliot Anderson; Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, Jérémy Doku; Erling Haaland.
