Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley were both injured against Real Madrid. (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool can go 11 points clear by beating Manchester City on Sunday and Arne Slot faces selection concerns for a titanic battle at Anfield. The Reds know that a victory against the reigning champions would cement them as favorites for the Premier League title this weekend.
Express Sport examines how Slot could line up as Liverpool look to extend a six-match winning streak in all competitions…
Goalkeeper: Kelleher
Having stopped penalties in Liverpool's last two matches, as well as their last outing in the Republic of Ireland, Caoimhin Kelleher will retain his place between the sticks.
The goalkeeper was once again sensational in Alisson's absence and his midweek clean sheet against Real Madrid was his fifth in 10 games this season. He will need to be fully fit again here to thwart Erling Haaland and co.
Defender: Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson
The first of Slot's problems comes at right-back. Conor Bradley was brilliant against Real Madrid but came away with a blow. If there is any doubt about his availability, Trent Alexander-Arnold should benefit from his first minutes after his injury.
The second dilemma concerns the central defender. Captain Virgil van Dijk starts of course, but his first-choice partner Ibrahima Konate has also limped into the Champions League, meaning his starting place is not as certain as it would otherwise be. If Slot decides not to risk his fitness, Joe Gomez will come into play.
Kostas Tsimikas is injured and Andy Robertson's only main deputy is Gomez. If he is required in central defense, Robertson will retain his starting place.
Liverpool are in great form with six consecutive victories (Image: GETTY)
Midfield: Gravenberch, Mac Allister
Liverpool's proven midfield duo will start again against City. Mac Allister was TNT Sports' man of the match midweek after his goal and also scored from the penalty spot in this same game last year.
Gravenberch's ability to advance with possession will be particularly useful against a City midfield that has seemed to lack energy and legs in recent games, as will Mac Allister's eye for a pass through the lines.
Attack: Diaz, Jones, Salah; Nuñez
As well as sticking to the two midfielders from Real Madrid's declaration of victory, the same front four could also start despite Cody Gakpo scoring a fine header off the bench.
Luis Diaz will be asked to tease a struggling Kyle Walker from the left wing with Gakpo then an option to change the game late in the second half. Curtis Jones has been excellent in the No.10 role and will get the nod there again ahead of Dominik Szoboszlai.
Darwin Nunez will lead the line with Diogo Jota still injured while Mohamed Salah will hope to make amends for his midweek penalty miss against a team against whom he has scored 11 goals and six assists in a Liverpool shirt.
Liverpool predicted XI against Man City (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, MacAllister; Diaz, Jones, Salah; Nuñez
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Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1982120/Liverpool-team-news-predicted-XI-vs-Man-City-Ibrahima-Konate