Liverpool predicted line-up vs Man City as Arne Slot makes unpopular Dominik Szoboszlai call

The Reds head into the high-stakes fixture on the back of scoring 10 goals in two games. Slot has called for that attacking prowess to be maintained at Anfield on Sunday

Dominik Szoboszlai could line up at right-back against Manchester City

Arne Slot may be tempted to name the same Liverpool side against Manchester City as started last weekend’s 4-1 win over Newcastle United.

That eight-day gap between fixtures will have been greatly appreciated by the Liverpool head coach, who has bemoaned the lack of rest for his side across the campaign. He will also hope the hiatus provides enough time for Joe Gomez to recover from injury.

Slot said in Thursday’s press conference that the defender may be an option to call upon off the bench, but is not expected to be declared fit enough in time to start the high-stakes meeting at Anfield.

Assuming that is the case, Dominik Szoboszlai will likely continue at right-back, despite his admission last week that he would prefer to play in midfield. Jeremie Frimpong remains absent through injury.

Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez will likely make up the back four, although Andy Robertson is another option. The Scotland captain started the reverse meeting at the Etihad in November and has no shortage of experience in this fixture.

In midfield, Szoboszlai’s redeployment means Slot will likely select three out of four players. Ryan Gravenberch was back to his best against Newcastle and will almost certainly continue in the middle alongside Alexis Mac Allister. That will mean Curtis Jones being included among the substitutes at the end of a week that has seen speculation over his future increase.

Wirtz has been in terrific form of late(Image: Getty Images)

In another universe, Florian Wirtz could have been lining up in sky blue on Sunday. Instead, he chose Liverpool over Pep Guardiola’s side and is beginning to justify the lofty fee the Reds paid for his services.

In a no.10 role, Wirtz will hope to be afforded more space by City’s advancing midfielders and look to add to his tally of six goals in his last 10 appearances.

If the German does start in midfield, we can expect Cody Gakpo to continue on the left flank, although he has not contributed to the 10 goals scored by Liverpool players in the last two games.

Ekitike scored twice last week against Newcastle(Image: Getty Images)

The same can’t be said of Hugo Ekitike, who will probably continue in the no.9 role and is growing in confidence by the week.

Likewise, Liverpool’s attacking play has looked more fluid since Mohamed Salah’s reintegration, even if the winger’s personal form has underwhelmed. He will surely start against City, in a fixture he has so often showcased his prestigious talents.

On the bench, Robertson and Jones will likely be joined by Giorgi Mamardashvili, Calvin Ramsay, Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha and Federico Chiesa.

Liverpool predicted starting line-up: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.