Liverpool’s starting XI for the match against Manchester City, Ibrahima Konate replacement named and Luis Diaz decision made…

Liverpool’s line-up for the match against Manchester City has been finalized, with a replacement for Ibrahima Konate identified and a decision made regarding Luis Diaz.

The line-up for Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City has been confirmed, highlighting a replacement for Ibrahima Konate and a determination regarding Luis Diaz.

Today marks one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the Premier League season as Liverpool hosts Manchester City at Anfield, kicking off at 4 PM. This encounter is crucial for both teams.

A win for Liverpool would increase their lead at the top of the table to nine points and, more importantly, put them 11 points ahead of the reigning champions, City, who have claimed the title for the past four seasons.

Reports from the Etihad suggest that Pep Guardiola’s team cannot afford another loss, having suffered three consecutive league defeats and five losses in their last six matches across all competitions.

In stark contrast, Liverpool comes into this match buoyed by a remarkable 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this week, marking Arne Slot’s impressive record of 17 wins in his first 19 games as manager.

With up to six players potentially unavailable, how will Slot configure his team for the visit of City? Our Liverpool correspondents weigh in.

Ian Doyle

This match is monumental. Both Liverpool and Manchester City are dealing with numerous injuries, although not as severe as those faced by Arsenal.

So, what strategy will Reds manager Arne Slot employ?

With Alisson Becker still sidelined, Caoimhin Kelleher will remain in goal. Due to Conor Bradley’s injury, Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to right-back, while Andy Robertson continues on the left.

Ibrahima Konate’s absence necessitates a change in central defense, and I would pair Joe Gomez with Virgil van Dijk.

In midfield, while it might be tempting to start Dominik Szoboszlai, his energy could be better utilized in the second half.

Therefore, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister will serve as the defensive midfielders, with Curtis Jones taking on the number 10 role.

In the attacking line, Mohamed Salah will play on the right, Darwin Nunez will lead the attack, and Luis Diaz has earned his place on the left.

My lineup (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez.

Paul Gorst

The timing of losing Ibrahima Konate, who has been in excellent form for Liverpool, could not be worse, especially with the season’s most significant match approaching.

Additionally, the absence of Conor Bradley is less than ideal, although Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to return.

Kostas Tsimikas’s injury has simplified the left-back decision, allowing Joe Gomez to partner with Virgil van Dijk instead of Jarell Quansah.

In midfield, the choice lies between Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Szoboszlai’s tactical importance and relentless energy could be vital in the midfield contest, but Jones’s outstanding performance against Real Madrid on Wednesday makes him a strong contender as well.

Up front, Cody Gakpo is making a compelling case for selection, but Luis Diaz could exploit an out-of-form Kyle Walker effectively. Darwin Nunez retains his position.

My lineup (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez.

Theo Squires

While Manchester City may not continue to falter indefinitely, it would be advantageous for Liverpool to widen their lead at the top of the table and deepen Pep Guardiola’s team’s struggles at Anfield this Sunday.

However, they must first navigate their increasing injury concerns. Arne Slot indicated that Trent Alexander-Arnold would be fit to start after being unused against Real Madrid, allowing him to return to right-back in place of the injured Conor Bradley.

This adjustment enables Joe Gomez to take his place at center-back alongside Virgil van Dijk, reuniting the defensive lineup that secured the Premier League title in 2019/20.

Unfortunately, the full back five is not complete, as Alisson Becker is still unavailable.

At this point, Caoimhin Kelleher starting in goal has become a routine expectation.

I will maintain the same midfield lineup following an outstanding performance against Real Madrid, which means Dominik Szoboszlai will remain on the bench.

In the attacking position, I am considering bringing back Cody Gakpo after his impressive goal as a substitute midweek, but I prefer to see Luis Diaz take on Kyle Walker on the left side.

Therefore, Darwin Nunez will play as the central striker.

My lineup (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez.