James Milner is set for another start at right-back while Roberto Firmino should replace Diogo Jota when Liverpool host Manchester City in the Premier League.
Liverpool will be aiming to reclaim their top spot in the Premier League table when they face off against bitter rivals and reigning champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday evening.
Heading into the game, manager Jurgen Klopp has not been handed any fresh injury concerns. However, Liverpool will continue to be without the services of Thiago Alcantara and Harvey Elliott, while first-choice right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold also remains unavailable for selection.
Liverpool vs Manchester City Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
The England international’s absence poses an issue for Klopp. Speaking of his options at right-back during the pre-match presser, the German tactician said, “We all know Millie is a really special, special guy. He hates the position, pretty much – but for that, he plays not bad! But we have obviously Joe [Gomez] as well an option, Neco [Williams] is back now after injury and all these kind of things.”
Considering that neither Gomez nor Williams have played much this season, Klopp is likely to stick with Milner as his starter at right-back for the high-profile clash against Manchester City. On the opposite side, Andrew Robertson is a guaranteed starter while the centre-back pairing of Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk ought to remain intact as well, shielding Alisson Becker in goal.
The absence of Thiago and Harvey Elliott does deprive Klopp of options in the middle of the park, but Liverpool have more than enough depth in the position. Fabinho is the guaranteed starter at the base of the Reds’ three-man midfield unit, while club captain Jordan Henderson is also a certainty in the playing XI.
Naby Keita and Curtis Jones would be vying for the remaining slot in the starting XI, but the 20-year-old youngster, who has come in for immense praise after his exploits against Porto, should get the nod over his more experienced teammate.
Moving into the attacking unit, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are automatic picks out in the wide areas. As for the central striker’s berth, Roberto Firmino is in line to start ahead of Diogo Jota after bagging a brace in his substitute appearance against Porto in midweek. Divock Origi, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino will be options from the bench.
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Milner, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Fabinho, Jones, Salah, Firmino, Mane
