This Sunday, Anfield will host one of the most anticipated matches of the Premier League season as Liverpool face Manchester City in a showdown with significant title implications.
With the Reds sitting atop the table, Arne Slot’s team has the opportunity to extend their lead to an imposing 11 points. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s defending champions, struggling with form, face a must-win situation to stay in the title race.
The decisions both managers make will be pivotal, especially given injuries and form concerns affecting key players. Here, we explore the big selection dilemmas for Slot and Guardiola ahead of the blockbuster encounter.
Who Starts in Goal for Liverpool?
One of Arne Slot’s most intriguing decisions will be whether to restore Alisson Becker to the starting lineup or stick with Caoimhin Kelleher. Alisson, a mainstay in Liverpool’s success over the years, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
In his absence, Kelleher has delivered outstanding performances, including a dramatic penalty save against Kylian Mbappé, bringing his tally to three spot-kick stops this season.
Statistically, Alisson has a higher save percentage and better goals-prevented data, making him the safer choice. However, Kelleher’s form and confidence might convince Slot to give the Irishman another chance.
Bradley or Alexander-Arnold at Right-Back?
Conor Bradley has been impressive in recent performances, notably his commanding display against Real Madrid, which included a crunching tackle on Mbappé.
Yet, the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold from injury provides a dilemma for Slot. Alexander-Arnold’s creativity and experience make him a likely starter, assuming he’s fully fit.
If neither is available, Joe Gomez could fill in, though his natural position is center-back. The decision on this flank will be crucial, as City’s attack is adept at exploiting defensive vulnerabilities.
Replacing Konaté: Who Partners Van Dijk?
The injury to Ibrahima Konaté, sustained in Liverpool’s midweek clash with Real Madrid, forces Slot to make an unwanted change in defense. With Konaté sidelined, 21-year-old Jarell Quansah could step in, though he has limited experience.
Alternatively, Gomez may move centrally to partner Virgil van Dijk, offering a more seasoned option against City’s potent attack.
Manchester City’s Key Decisions: Time for De Bruyne?
On the other side, Pep Guardiola faces the critical question of whether to unleash Kevin De Bruyne from the start. The Belgian midfielder has been cautiously reintroduced following injury, but City’s stuttering form and the importance of this match may force Guardiola’s hand.
De Bruyne’s creativity and leadership could be decisive in breaking down Liverpool’s defense.
Ruben Dias to Steady the Backline?
City’s defensive struggles without Ruben Dias have been glaring. The Portuguese center-back has been sidelined with a muscle injury, and his absence has coincided with a poor run of results.
Ruben Dias was an unused substitute in midweek, suggesting he might be ready for a return. If fit, his composure and leadership will be invaluable against Liverpool’s high-powered attack.
Full-Back Dilemma: Walker or Lewis?
Kyle Walker’s recent struggles were highlighted when he was outpaced by Timo Werner in the Carabao Cup. While this could be an isolated incident, the decline in Walker’s top speed raises concerns.
Rico Lewis offers a younger, energetic alternative at right-back, though Guardiola may lean on Walker’s experience for such a high-stakes encounter.
On the left, Josko Gvardiol’s errors in recent matches against Tottenham and Feyenoord could prompt a change. Nathan Aké might shift to left-back if Guardiola prefers a more defensively sound option.
Liverpool’s Attacking Options: Diaz or Gakpo?
Arne Slot has rotated Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo throughout the season, and both are in contention to start. Diaz’s dynamic style and Gakpo’s aerial ability provide different threats.
With Mohamed Salah a guaranteed starter on the right, Slot could play Diaz centrally in place of Darwin Núñez and deploy Gakpo on the left. This fluidity has been a hallmark of Liverpool’s attacking play this season.
Midfield Battles: Who Gets the Nod?
Liverpool’s midfield has been a key strength, and Slot will likely rotate to keep his players fresh. Dominik Szoboszlai could come in for Curtis Jones, joining Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. This trio would provide the energy and creativity needed to match City’s midfield.
For Guardiola, the absence of Rodri and Mateo Kovacic leaves him with limited options. The combination of Ilkay Gündoğan and Rico Lewis was overrun by Tottenham last weekend, raising questions about whether Matheus Nunes might start.
If De Bruyne is included, Guardiola may need to shuffle his midfield and attack, perhaps moving Phil Foden to the wing.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
This match is not just about three points—it’s about setting the tone for the rest of the season. Liverpool have the chance to solidify their position as title favorites, while City are fighting to keep their hopes alive.
The decisions made by Slot and Guardiola will have far-reaching consequences, making this clash at Anfield a must-watch spectacle.
