Liverpool v Manchester Metropolis Crew Information Forward of Anfield Showdown
Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis meet at Anfield on Sunday for a 4.30pm GMT kick off that feels weighty even by their very own elevated requirements. The Premier League champions beneath Arne Slot welcome Pep Guardiola’s Metropolis with either side juggling accidents, rotation considerations and the small matter of momentum because the season enters its sharpest part. Crew Information will play a decisive position in shaping how this contest unfolds.
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Liverpool Squad Replace Below Slot
Liverpool strategy the weekend with cautious optimism round Joe Gomez. The defender has missed the final two matches after selecting up an damage at AFC Bournemouth, however there may be hope he could but characteristic within the matchday squad.
Slot defined the state of affairs clearly in his media briefing, saying: “Jeremie will certainly not practice this week, so he’s not accessible for the weekend.
“With Joe, we’ve got somewhat little bit of hope that he may practice Saturday. So, not accessible to start out however perhaps accessible to assist the group if wanted through the sport as a result of, as you already know, there aren’t that many defenders accessible in the mean time.”
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That context issues. Liverpool’s defensive sources are stretched, and Slot has proven a willingness to handle threat fastidiously somewhat than rush gamers again. Jeremie Frimpong is dominated out after being pressured off within the Champions League win over Qarabag with a muscle downside, leaving Liverpool in need of choices in extensive defensive areas.
When it comes to long-term absentees, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Alexander Isak all stay sidelined.
Photograph: IMAGO
Manchester Metropolis Health Watch
Manchester Metropolis’s Crew Information is not any much less nuanced. Guardiola confirmed uncertainty over Bernardo Silva, who missed the Carabao Cup win over Newcastle after selecting up a knock at Tottenham.
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When requested about his availability, Guardiola was characteristically blunt: “Don’t know but, tomorrow coaching.”
There was extra optimistic information elsewhere. Ruben Dias returned to the squad as an unused substitute after a month out with a hamstring damage, and Guardiola welcomed his return, saying: “He’s again. We’ll see if he’ll play minutes, however excellent news for us.”
John Stones has additionally taken a step ahead, with Guardiola including: “John made yesterday the primary coaching session with the group and is step-by-step coming again.”
Attacking Choices and Choice Calls
Erling Haaland was rested towards Newcastle and his standing naturally dominates dialogue. Guardiola supplied little readability, sticking to his lengthy held view: “All the time I stated, Erling is the most effective striker on this planet. I don’t know [if he will start at Anfield]. We’ll see tomorrow. All the time, I say Erling is the most effective.”
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Jeremy Doku stays sidelined, whereas Savinho has not featured since New 12 months’s Day. Metropolis nonetheless boast depth, however sharpness and rhythm are open questions.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.
Man Metropolis Predicted XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait-Nouri, O’Reilly, Rodri, Cherki, Foden, Semenyo, Haaland