Liverpool XI vs Man City: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Premier League

The atmosphere in Liverpool this week feels different. There’s something electric in the air, something that even casual football fans can sense. It’s not just another Premier League weekend—it’s Liverpool versus Manchester City, the kind of clash that can change a season. Every detail, every lineup choice, every injury update suddenly feels like breaking news. And at the center of it all stands Arne Slot, the calm, sharp-minded Liverpool manager who must make the kind of decisions that define legacies.

The eyes of the world are now fixed on the red half of Merseyside. Slot’s Liverpool, rejuvenated and daring under his leadership, are set to walk into the Etihad Stadium to face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City—arguably the most dominant football machine of the modern era. But this time, there’s a new subplot in the story, one that has captured the attention of fans everywhere: the return of Alexander Isak

For weeks, Liverpool fans have waited for an update on their Swedish striker. Isak, who had become one of the most exciting attackers in the Premier League since his arrival, was sidelined after suffering a groin injury during the Champions League demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt. The 5-1 victory was supposed to be another step forward in Liverpool’s European campaign, but when Isak limped off at half-time, the mood shifted. Since then, his absence has been deeply felt.

He missed four straight matches across all competitions, and during that time, Liverpool have had to reshuffle their attacking plans. Hugo Ekitike, the French forward who has impressed with his energy and movement, was given the responsibility of leading the line. To his credit, he performed admirably—scoring important goals, linking well with Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, and earning the trust of both fans and manager. But still, many couldn’t stop thinking about what Liverpool looked like when Isak was on the pitch. His composure, his finishing, his subtle movements in the box—they gave Liverpool a different kind of threat.

In his pre-match press conference before Liverpool’s midweek victory over Real Madrid, Arne Slot gave a carefully measured update about the Swede’s fitness. “With Alex, we have to wait and see,” he said, his voice steady but hopeful. “Definitely not starting on Sunday, but maybe he can be involved in the squad.” Those words were enough to lift the spirits of Liverpool supporters across the world. Slot’s tone suggested that Isak’s recovery was going well, and that maybe, just maybe, the striker would make the bench for the City clash.

That small hint of hope has now grown into something bigger. As the days passed, reports from the training ground painted a more optimistic picture. Even though Isak had not yet joined full-team training, his inclusion in Sweden’s national squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Slovenia gave everyone the strongest sign yet that he was close to returning.

For Arne Slot, though, this decision isn’t simple. Even if Isak is passed fit, it would be a risk to throw him straight into such a physically demanding fixture at the Etihad. Manchester City are relentless in pressing, running, and forcing defenders into mistakes. Slot knows that a player coming back from a groin problem must be managed carefully. He also knows that Liverpool can’t afford another long-term setback. That’s why the manager is likely to keep Ekitike as his starting striker, at least for this match.

Ekitike’s confidence is growing, and his chemistry with Salah and Szoboszlai has brought balance to Liverpool’s attack. Mohamed Salah, the ever-reliable Egyptian king, has been in top form again, reminding everyone why he remains one of the most feared forwards in world football. His hunger to score and his connection with the team’s creative core have been crucial in Liverpool’s recent run of good results. Behind him, Szoboszlai has continued to shine as one of Slot’s most trusted lieutenants, bringing energy, intelligence, and power to the midfield.

Another big talking point heading into this clash is in goal. Liverpool’s number one, Alisson Becker, is set to miss out once again due to injury. In his absence, Giorgi Mamardashvili—signed from Valencia—has become the new guardian of the Liverpool net. The Georgian shot-stopper has quickly won over fans with his commanding presence, quick reflexes, and confidence with the ball at his feet. In fact, he’s on the verge of achieving his third consecutive clean sheet, something that would be remarkable given the level of opposition Liverpool have faced recently.

The defensive line in front of him looks set to remain familiar: Conor Bradley at right-back, Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk in central defence, and Andy Robertson reclaiming his position at left-back. The return of Robertson to the starting lineup has given Liverpool back their trademark intensity on the flanks. His overlapping runs, his leadership, and his chemistry with the midfield have reminded fans of the title-winning Liverpool side that once terrorized every opponent.

For Arne Slot, these small details matter. In recent weeks, he has deliberately returned to the formula that worked so well last season, trusting the same core group that delivered the Premier League title. Against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, that decision paid off beautifully. The Reds looked like themselves again—fast, organized, fearless.

But the challenge at the Etihad is different. Manchester City at home are a nightmare for visiting teams. Pep Guardiola’s men rarely lose there, and their passing rhythm, combined with the attacking brilliance of players like Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne, makes them nearly unstoppable when they find their flow. That’s why Slot is reportedly considering one or two tactical surprises of his own.

One possibility is the recall of Cody Gakpo. The Dutch forward has often been used as an impact substitute this season, but his intelligence and work rate make him a valuable asset against teams like City. If Gakpo starts, it could mean that summer signing Florian Wirtz might drop to the bench. Wirtz, a young and supremely talented midfielder from Germany, has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to fully settle into the pace of English football. Slot, who values both discipline and structure, may prefer Gakpo’s defensive contribution and experience for this high-stakes encounter.

In midfield, the balance looks set to remain unchanged. Alexis Mac Allister will anchor the center, using his tactical awareness and composure to control the tempo. Alongside him, Ryan Gravenberch continues to grow into his role as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, capable of driving forward and breaking lines with his dribbling. Together, they give Liverpool both stability and attacking thrust.

As for the bench, Slot will have plenty of options. If Isak is fit enough, his name alone could be a psychological weapon. The sight of him warming up might cause unease among City defenders who remember what he can do. Having someone of Isak’s quality as an option late in the game could change everything—especially if the match is tight in the final minutes.

Injuries remain a concern, though. Apart from Alisson, Liverpool are also without Jeremie Frimpong and Leoni, both still recovering. These absences have forced Slot to be creative, but so far, his rotation and tactical awareness have impressed both fans and pundits alike.

The game itself promises to be one of the defining moments of this Premier League campaign. Liverpool know that a win at the Etihad could send a strong message to the rest of the league—they are back, and they mean business. Slot’s men have already beaten some of Europe’s best sides this season, but defeating Manchester City away would elevate their confidence to a new level.

Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. GMT on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Sky Sports will broadcast the match live, and millions around the world will be glued to their screens. The stage could not be bigger: the champions of old versus the champions of now.

It’s more than just a football game—it’s a test of identity. Can Arne Slot’s Liverpool truly stand toe-to-toe with Guardiola’s relentless football empire? Can a team rebuilt under new management and fresh ideas overcome the most dominant force in English football? Those are the questions that will be answered under the bright lights of the Etihad.

As the days tick down, Liverpool’s training sessions have been intense but joyful. Slot, known for his calm demeanor, has kept spirits high. He understands that mentality is everything. He wants his players to play without fear, to remember the values that once made Liverpool invincible—togetherness, courage, and relentless pressing.

Behind the scenes, the players know what’s at stake. Virgil van Dijk, now one of the most experienced leaders in the league, has reportedly delivered a passionate message in the dressing room earlier in the week. He reminded the squad that matches like this are why they play football—to prove themselves on the biggest stage, against the very best.

Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, is quietly preparing for another showdown with City. He has scored memorable goals against them in the past, and fans are hoping for more of his magic. Salah’s rivalry with City’s defenders, particularly with Josko Gvardiol, has become a fascinating subplot in recent seasons. The Egyptian has a habit of finding space where there seems to be none, and his ability to deliver in big games could once again be decisive.

For Manchester City, they too have their own injury worries, but they remain a juggernaut. Pep Guardiola is unlikely to underestimate this Liverpool side, especially after watching them dismantle Real Madrid just days ago. City’s manager knows that Slot’s system is different from Klopp’s heavy-metal style—it’s more calculated, more balanced, but equally dangerous.

In the buildup to the match, football pundits have been divided. Some believe Liverpool have what it takes to pull off a stunning away victory, while others argue that City’s home record and tactical consistency make them the clear favorites. Either way, it’s set to be a spectacle—a game of intensity, emotion, and tactical brilliance.

If Slot’s Liverpool can walk away from the Etihad with even a point, it would be a statement. But if they manage to win, it could reshape the entire title race. For players like Isak, Mamardashvili, and Ekitike, it’s a chance to write their names into Liverpool folklore.

As the clock counts down to Sunday evening, one thing is certain: the world will be watching. The banners will rise, the fans will sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and Arne Slot’s Liverpool will step into the storm—ready to fight, ready to believe, and ready to prove that the spirit of Anfield burns brighter than ever.

The predicted lineup remains clear: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike.

The injuries are worrying, the doubts are real, but so is the belief. For Liverpool, this isn’t just another Premier League fixture. It’s a battle for pride, for confidence, and for the right to be called contenders once again. The road to glory always passes through Manchester—and on Sunday, Arne Slot’s men will walk that road with their heads held high.

Because in football, moments like these define everything. And as the fans prepare for kickoff, the world waits to see if Liverpool’s revival is ready to reach its next great chapter.