Man City Starting XI vs Liverpool: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Man City Line-Up Decisions for Premier League Clash with Liverpool

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are preparing for a crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, a fixture that has often carried title-defining implications. This time, however, Guardiola faces a selection dilemma that could shape how City approach the game.

Rodri Fitness Uncertainty

The City boss has hinted that Rodri may not be risked against Liverpool despite the midfielder’s recent return from a serious knee injury. Rodri featured briefly as a substitute in the 6-1 win over Bournemouth last weekend but was left out of the Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund in midweek.

Speaking to reporters, Guardiola said: “We’ll see but I think we won’t take a risk.” He added: “Rodri can play one game a week, but the problem is we play every three days and then there is the national team. It was a long injury. History says the year after, you have problems. We tried to avoid it, but the stats say that. One game a week you recover fine, but me as a manager, [when] the doctors say he is ready, he is going to play. We have to be careful from now on.”

Guardiola’s comments suggest a measured approach, emphasising the importance of managing Rodri’s workload carefully. His influence in midfield has been irreplaceable, and City’s performances have often dipped when he has been absent.

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Key Line-Up Choices

With Rodri unlikely to feature, Guardiola will turn to alternatives in midfield. Nico Gonzalez and Phil Foden are both expected to start, leaving a decision between Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva and Rayan Cherki for the remaining spots. Bernardo, a trusted figure in major fixtures, could be given the nod due to his tactical discipline and experience in big matches.

In defence, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are likely to anchor the backline, with Nunes and O’Reilly expected to operate in full-back roles. Gianluigi Donnarumma remains a constant presence in goal, while Erling Haaland will once again lead the attack alongside Jeremy Doku.

Current Injury Concerns

City’s only confirmed absentee is Mateo Kovacic, who remains sidelined with an ankle issue. Guardiola will hope the rest of his squad remains fit as they navigate a demanding schedule in both domestic and European competitions.

Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Foden, Silva, Haaland, Doku.

Kick-off at the Etihad Stadium is set for 4.30pm GMT on Sunday, November 9, 2025, and the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

As both sides continue their pursuit of Premier League glory, Guardiola’s handling of Rodri and his midfield selections could prove decisive in determining whether City can reclaim their momentum against Arne Slot’s reigning champions.