Liverpool’s Predicted Line-Up vs Man City as Bradley Barcola and Lewis Koumas Decisions Revealed

After three weeks away, Premier League action returns with a blockbuster encounter as Manchester City travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday.
Off-field stories have dominated the international break, but attention will quickly shift back to football when the two sides meet at Anfield. Manchester City face a difficult test in front of Liverpool’s passionate home supporters, while Andoni Iraola’s Reds will be under pressure to deliver a strong performance in one of their biggest games of the season.
However, Liverpool have suffered a significant setback ahead of the clash, with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both expected to miss the match through injury. Their absences leave Iraola with difficult decisions to make in attack.
Summer signing Bradley Barcola is still searching for his first goal for Liverpool, while young forward Lewis Koumas is hoping to earn an opportunity in the starting line-up.
With several attacking options unavailable, Liverpool’s predicted XI has become a major talking point ahead of Sunday’s showdown.
Liverpool’s Defensive Line Looks Settled
Despite the injury concerns further up the pitch, Liverpool’s defence appears relatively straightforward to select.
Alisson Becker is expected to start in goal after helping the Reds record three consecutive Premier League clean sheets.
At right-back, Ronald Araujo is tipped to retain his place, while Milos Kerkez should continue on the opposite flank. Captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to partner Jeremy Jacquet at centre-back, with the latter reportedly fit again after a brief injury concern while on international duty.
Liverpool’s defensive unit has shown encouraging signs this season, and maintaining that stability could be crucial against a Manchester City side capable of punishing even the smallest mistakes.
Jacquet, in particular, could face a demanding afternoon if selected, with Erling Haaland representing a major threat in attack.
Midfield Selection Remains Uncertain
The midfield is another area where Iraola must make an important decision.
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are both strong candidates to start, with Florian Wirtz expected to operate in the number 10 role.
Ryan Gravenberch could also come into consideration, especially with Liverpool missing two important attacking players. Including the Dutch midfielder would provide additional strength and control in the centre of the pitch.
However, questions remain over whether Iraola will change his preferred midfield combination for such a demanding fixture.
Another possibility is a more compact system designed to limit City’s influence in midfield while allowing Liverpool to threaten on the counterattack.
Bradley Barcola and Lewis Koumas Could Get Their Chance
Liverpool’s biggest selection debate is expected to centre on the attacking positions.
With Isak and Gakpo unavailable, Barcola could be handed a starting role through the middle or on the left flank, depending on Iraola’s preferred formation.
Koumas is another player who could benefit from the situation. His pressing, energy and work rate could make him a useful option against City’s defence, particularly in a match where Liverpool will need their forwards to contribute defensively.
Victor Muñoz is also in contention for a place on the right wing, offering pace and direct running that could help Liverpool exploit spaces behind City’s defensive line.
One possible approach would see Barcola lead the attack, supported by Koumas and Muñoz on either side. Another option would involve Koumas playing centrally, with Barcola operating from the left and Muñoz starting on the right.
The final decision will depend on how Iraola wants Liverpool to approach the game and whether he prioritises attacking movement, pressing intensity or greater control in midfield.
Predicted Liverpool Starting XI vs Manchester City
Option 1 — 4-2-3-1:
Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Muñoz, Wirtz, Koumas; Barcola.
Option 2 — 4-2-3-1:
Alisson; Kerkez, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Araujo; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Barcola, Wirtz, Muñoz; Koumas.
Both selections offer different attacking combinations, but the central question remains whether Barcola or Koumas will be trusted to lead the line from the start.
With Liverpool missing two important forwards, Iraola faces one of his biggest selection tests yet. The decision could play a significant role in determining how the Reds approach their showdown with Manchester City at Anfield.