Liverpool predicted XI vs Man City: Slot set to unleash Ekitike and Wirtz for Anfield blockbuster | OneFootball

Liverpool welcome Manchester City to Anfield on Sunday afternoon, looking to build on their most convincing performance of the season.

Liverpool want to have their say in the Premier League title race, and a win over City would undoubtedly tilt the trophy towards north London.

The Reds arrive buoyed by a dominant victory, while City travel to Merseyside under pressure to keep pace with the league leaders following some inconsistent results.

Liverpool’s ability to thrive in transition and harness the Anfield atmosphere could prove decisive.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side remain one of the most dangerous attacking outfits in Europe despite their recent struggles for consistency, setting up a blockbuster clash.

Match preview

Liverpool finally rediscovered their attacking fluency last time out, dismantling Newcastle United 4-1.

Goals from Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz spearheaded a ruthless display, continuing Liverpool’s trend of mounting comebacks when falling behind.

Since the start of last season, the Reds have collected 28 Premier League points after conceding first.

Despite their improved form, Liverpool remain outside the top five and cannot afford further slip-ups if they are to salvage their campaign.

Their recent scoring form offers encouragement, with the Reds netting 15 goals across their last four matches in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s title ambitions have been dented by dropped points in five of their last six league matches.

Their 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur exposed familiar weaknesses, particularly their inability to control games after taking early leads.

Guardiola’s side secured a 3-1 League Cup semi-final victory over Newcastle in midweek, but Anfield has historically proven one of their most difficult assignments.

Match stats

Liverpool have lost just one of their last 22 Premier League home matches against Manchester City, with that solitary defeat coming behind closed doors in 2021.

City are chasing their first league double over Liverpool since the 1936/37 season after securing a 3-0 victory in November’s reverse fixture.

The Reds have thrived in transitional situations this season, scoring seven Premier League goals from fast breaks, the highest total in the division.

Additionally, over 24% of their high turnovers have resulted in shots, underlining their threat when capitalising on opposition mistakes.

City’s struggles to maintain control late in games remain evident, with only West Ham United dropping more points from winning positions at half-time this season.

Guardiola’s side have also failed to score a second-half league goal in 2026.

Liverpool team news

Arne Slot is expected to stick with the attacking formula that dismantled Newcastle, with Wirtz and Ekitike set to lead Liverpool’s frontline once again.

Wirtz has been directly involved in nine goals across his last 11 matches, while Ekitike has enjoyed a prolific debut campaign, reaching double figures in the Premier League.

Liverpool remain without Jeremie Frimpong (25), who was finding his feet. Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak, and Giovanni Leoni are also out through injury.

The ‘sensational’ Joe Gomez faces a late fitness test but remains doubtful.

Alisson Becker; Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch; Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo; Hugo Ekitike.