Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Man City as Florian Wirtz and Andy Robertson decisions made - opinion

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Liverpool travel to Manchester City on Sunday for a clash that could have a huge impact on the Premier League title race.The Reds have returned to form in the past week following a run of one victory in seven matches.Ahead of the game on November 9, Paul Merson is backing Liverpool to beat Manchester City, while Alan Shearer has predicted a draw.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. A stalemate would be no use to either side, really, as they look to close the gap on the high-flying Arsenal.Here is all the latest Liverpool team news and our predicted eleven for the meeting at the Etihad Stadium.Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty ImagesLiverpool team news vs Manchester CityAfter missing several matches, record signing Alexander Isak returned to training on Friday, Arne Slot confirmed.He said: “He [Isak] will train for the first time today with the team again after being three weeks out.” The Dutch coach did not state if Isak would be involved on Sunday, instead urging fans to give the striker ‘some time’.Elsewhere, Alisson and Jeremie Frimpong will miss out, but both are nearing a return.Slot said on the duo: “Alisson for sure.

And I expect Jeremie back after the international break as well because we play from November until March!“But I don’t expect Jeremie to be fully fit for Forest. But with Alisson, we expect this, yes.”Meanwhile, the Liverpool boss has stated Andy Robertson will be assessed after playing three games in seven days.Giovanni Leoni is the only long-term absentee going into the City fixture.Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty ImagesLiverpool predicted XI vs Man CityLiverpool have won their last two fixtures, so we are unlikely to see Slot change too much, but there are a few decisions he needs to make.As mentioned, Robertson may not be at 100% going into this fixture, but the magnitude of the tie means he probably has to start.Milos Kerkez has struggled at Liverpool so far, with it claimed he has been ‘found out’ defensively.Slot really cannot afford for Kerkez to make mistakes in this game, as Liverpool will be punished and fall further behind City in the title race.Further forward, expect the midfield three we saw beat Real Madrid to remain in place, with Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitke making up two-thirds of the front three.The left-wing spot is where things get tricky.

Florian Wirtz was fantastic against Madrid when playing out wide earlier this week.If Slot thinks Wirtz has done enough to keep his place in the eleven, it would make the most sense for him to start on the left, as Liverpool’s pressing is much weaker through the middle when he starts as a midfielder.But that would mean Cody Gakpo, who has seven goal contributions in 15 matches this term, misses out.Liverpool predicted XI vs Manchester City – GRV Media line-up builderAlternatively, Gakpo could be used as a striker by Liverpool at times.