Liverpool Starting XI vs Manchester City: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Liverpool Starting XI vs Manchester City: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup Liverpool vs Manchester City: Bradley Barcola Could Lead Attack After Isak and Gakpo Blow Liverpool head into Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City short where it matters most, up front. Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are both unavailable, which leaves Liverpool without three recognised centre-forwards once Hugo Ekitike is factored in too. That changes the equation. It also forces a decision. Iraola was clear on the injury situation. “Cody has an ankle injury and it is a matter of him dealing with the pain,” the Reds head coach confirmed in the pre-match press conference. “It was a bad tackle. He is doing things individually. Alex has a thigh injury, it is a small injury but a muscle injury. They don’t look like long-term. We will be analysing day-to-day.” Photo: IMAGO Barcola role in Liverpool attack With Isak and Gakpo ruled out, Liverpool need a workaround against a Manchester City side that rarely gives you time to improvise. Bradley Barcola looks the most obvious solution. He is naturally more comfortable off the left, but this is about utility, not comfort. Iraola’s view of the Frenchman leaves little room for doubt. “He is a top player for us, he can play in any position up front, probably has played more as a left winger, but has played a little bit as a striker, even more as a right winger, so he can cover three positions up front and is a super valuable player for us.” That matters now. Liverpool paid £123 million for Barcola in the summer because he gives them options across the front line. This weekend, he may have to give them a solution. Florian Wirtz offers second option The alternative is Florian Wirtz as a false nine. It is a cleaner tactical fit in some ways, especially if Iraola wants Dominik Szoboszlai restored to the No 10 role. Liverpool have used fluid movement in these games before and it can work if the spacing is right. The risk is obvious too, there is no orthodox focal point and City can squeeze the pitch if they sense hesitation. Still, if Barcola starts centrally and Wirtz drifts around him, Liverpool can at least retain unpredictability. Defensive boost before Manchester City test There is one piece of good news. Jeremy Jacquet is available again after shaking off a hamstring issue, which means Iraola can stick with a back line that has produced three straight Premier League clean sheets. That stability matters because Liverpool may need to win this game through control as much as attacking fluency. Federico Chiesa is edging closer, but this game arrives too soon for Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni. Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson, Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Ngumoha, Szoboszlai, Barcola, Wirtz. Kick-off is 4.30pm BST on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Anfield.