Liverpool vs Manchester City Lineups: Merseysiders Depleted Without Key Trio

Liverpool host Premier League leaders Manchester City in a blockbuster clash from the sixth round of fixtures. While this rivalry has defined the division in recent years, today's showdown carries even greater intrigue as City take to the pitch for the first time since being found guilty of serious financial breaches by the commission. That verdict is sure to make the Anfield atmosphere even more hostile. Notably, it is also the first meeting between the sides since 2015 without either Jürgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola in the dugout.

The Citizens remain the only side with a 100% record after their opening five games, while the Merseysiders are yet to taste defeat under Andoni Iraola, having won four of their last five matches in all competitions.

Last season, Liverpool, then led by Arne Slot, lost all three encounters against Manchester City.

Iraola is without his two standout attacking performers this season in Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak, who both sustained injuries during the international break. In their absence, young forward Lewis Koumas spearheads the attack, flanked by Víctor Muñoz on the right and Bradley Barcola on the left. Dominik Szoboszlai also misses out on the matchday squad, with Ryan Gravenberch drafted into the lineup.

Enzo Maresca makes just a single change to the City side that featured in their last league fixture, with Nico O'Reilly starting at left-back in place of Joško Gvardiol. Erling Haaland is fully fit and leads the line.