Manchester City return to Premier League action this weekend in what promises to be a thrilling encounter against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.
Fresh off a resounding 4–1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola’s men are looking to maintain their rhythm as the title race heats up.
Wednesday night’s European fixture showcased the depth and dominance of Guardiola’s side. Phil Foden led the charge with a dazzling brace, while Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki added their names to the scoresheet, sealing a comfortable win over the Bundesliga outfit. The performance was vintage City—controlled, creative, and clinical.
Now, attention turns back to domestic matters. The Sky Blues sit second in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Arsenal, and Sunday’s showdown against Liverpool could prove pivotal in narrowing that gap.
City are coming off a 3–1 victory against AFC Bournemouth in their last league outing, and the atmosphere around the Etihad remains one of quiet confidence.
With the fixture congestion beginning to bite, Guardiola is expected to rotate his squad slightly, introducing fresh legs without compromising on quality.
The Catalan tactician hinted earlier this week that “every player must be ready to contribute at the right moment,” a statement that underscores his belief in the depth of this Manchester City squad.
Below is our Man City predicted lineup vs Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
GK – Gianluigi Donnarumma
The Italian goalkeeper has been a calming presence between the posts since joining City. His shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box have been pivotal this season, with several key saves in tight games ensuring City’s title ambitions remain on track.
Donnarumma’s distribution has also evolved under Guardiola’s guidance, fitting seamlessly into the team’s build-from-the-back approach.
RB – Abdukodir Khusanov
The young Uzbek full-back has been one of the revelations of the season. His defensive maturity and willingness to drive forward have earned him Guardiola’s trust.
Against Liverpool’s pacey wingers, Khusanov’s energy and discipline will be crucial in maintaining balance down the right flank.
CB – Ruben Dias
A consistent leader at the heart of defence, Dias remains the backbone of City’s backline. His reading of the game and vocal presence continue to set the tone for those around him.
The Portuguese defender’s partnership with Gvardiol has been one of City’s strongest assets this season, combining aggression with tactical intelligence.
CB – Josko Gvardiol
The Croatian international has fully settled into Guardiola’s system, offering composure on the ball and strength in duels.
Gvardiol’s versatility allows City to shift fluidly between a back four and a three-man defence in possession. His passing range often initiates City’s attacks from deep, a feature that could prove vital against Liverpool’s pressing style.
LB – Nico O’Reilly
A surprise package this season, the young English full-back has impressed with his attacking instincts and positional awareness.
O’Reilly’s ability to overlap and combine with the wingers gives City an extra dimension in wide areas.
CM – Nico Gonzalez
The Spanish midfielder has quietly become a key cog in City’s midfield. His tireless work rate, passing precision, and ability to break up play have provided balance to the team’s attacking structure.
Gonzalez’s composure under pressure allows City to control tempo, something they’ll need against Liverpool’s high-octane pressing.
CM – Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva’s inclusion in this Man City predicted lineup vs Liverpool is one of the major talking points ahead of Sunday’s game. The Portuguese playmaker was rested in midweek but is expected to return to the starting XI.
His intelligence and spatial awareness make him indispensable in matches that demand both creativity and control.
AM – Phil Foden
Fresh from his two-goal heroics against Dortmund, Foden is in scintillating form. His sharpness in front of goal and ability to drift into pockets of space have made him one of City’s most dangerous weapons this season.
With 11 goals and assists already in all competitions, the Stockport-born midfielder looks set for another defining season. His confidence is soaring, and his link-up play with Haaland continues to flourish.
RW – Rayan Cherki
Another standout performer in midweek, Cherki’s flair and unpredictability have added a new spark to City’s attacking play.
The young Frenchman, who also found the net against Dortmund, has been thriving under Guardiola’s guidance. His ability to take on defenders one-on-one could be crucial in unsettling Liverpool’s backline.
LW – Jeremy Doku
The Belgian winger’s blistering pace and directness have been a nightmare for defenders throughout the campaign.
Doku’s quick feet and explosive acceleration provide City with width and penetration on the left flank. He’s already racked up several assists this season and will be eager to exploit the spaces behind Liverpool’s advanced full-backs.
ST – Erling Haaland
No City line-up feels complete without the Norwegian goal machine leading the line. Haaland’s consistency in front of goal continues to redefine expectations, and his partnership with Foden has been electric in recent weeks.
After scoring against Dortmund, he’ll be hungry to add to his league tally. Haaland thrives on big occasions, and Liverpool’s visit is precisely the type of stage he relishes.
