Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has named a heavily reshaped attacking line for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City at Anfield, handing a first league start to 21-year-old Lewis Koumas while Dominik Szoboszlai is absent from the matchday squad entirely.
The host club confirmed the lineup shortly before kick-off. Koumas leads the line with support from Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz in a 4-2-3-1 shape. Alisson Becker starts in goal behind a back four of Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has deployed Erling Haaland as the central striker, with Rayan Cherki operating as the attacking midfielder. Gianluigi Donnarumma starts in goal for the visitors, protected by a defense of Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, and Nico O’Reilly.
Injury Crisis Forces Iraola’s Hand
Liverpool entered the match without three recognized center-forwards. Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitike are all unavailable due to injury. Gakpo sustained an ankle problem described by Iraola as a pain-management issue following a bad tackle, while Isak returned from international duty with a thigh muscle injury.
Iraola confirmed the severity of the injuries in his pre-match comments. ‘Cody has an ankle injury and it is a matter of him dealing with the pain,’ Iraola said. ‘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.’
The absence of Szoboszlai was also addressed by the Liverpool manager. ‘He came from the international break with a tight hamstring,’ Iraola said. ‘He trained but was not feeling 100%. We will have to wait for Dom.’
Koumas Earns Trust
Iraola explained his decision to start Koumas, who had yet to feature in the Premier League for Liverpool. The manager cited the young forward’s training performances and versatility as key factors.
‘His performances, how he’s training, how he’s giving everything for the team,’ Iraola said. ‘I trust that he can give us a good threat for City. He’s very mobile, very forward. He can play all the positions; he can play wide, attack the spaces. I think he’s quite complete. He’s still young, but these sorts of games will be very good for his development.’
Jeremy Jacquet passed a late fitness test after a hamstring strain, allowing Iraola to retain a defensive unit that has recorded three consecutive Premier League clean sheets.
City’s Lineup and Season Form
Manchester City arrived at Anfield atop the Premier League table with 15 points from five matches. Maresca’s side has won all five of its opening fixtures.
The visitors’ attacking setup features Haaland as the lone striker, with Antoine Semenyo and Iliman Ndiaye flanking Cherki. Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez form the midfield pivot. Jeremy Doku, a regular starter in recent weeks, begins the match on the substitutes’ bench.
Liverpool enter the contest in sixth position with 10 points from five matches. The club has won three, drawn one, and lost one of its opening fixtures.
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Match Context
The fixture marks the first meeting between the two clubs since Manchester City were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules. A group of over 600 Manchester City supporters were given a police escort across Stanley Park before the match, chanting in support of the club’s ownership and engaging with Liverpool supporters along the route.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca addressed the atmosphere surrounding the club in his pre-match comments. ‘I understand the reason why most of you are here but the only thing I can say is that there is a process ongoing and in this moment I completely trust the club,’ Maresca said.
Referee Chris Kavanagh oversees the match at Anfield, with Paul Howard serving as Video Assistant Referee. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:30 UK time.
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