Liverpool’s team news is confirmed from Anfield as the champions take on Manchester City this afternoon
15:32, 08 Feb 2026Updated 19:01, 08 Feb 2026
Florian Wirtz will play in an attacking central-midfield role for Liverpool against Manchester City(Image: Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Arne Slot names an attacking line-up for the visit of Manchester City as Florian Wirtz is selected in what is expected to be a central attacking midfield role. The Germany international scored six goals between late December and January and is picked in what is likely to be a traditional No.10 position for the visit of City this afternoon.
Cody Gakpo keeps his place on the left side of the attack as Liverpool aim to secure a big victory in their push for Champions League qualification.
Hugo Ekitike, whose double against Newcastle United last weekend put him on 15 goals for the season, leads the line with Mohamed Salah stationed on the right side of the front three, with Florian Wirtz behind.
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Milos Kerkez, Ibrahima Konate and captain Virgil van Dijk complete the back four as Dominik Szoboszlai once more deputises on the right side of the defence due to the injuries to Conor Bradley – sidelined for the season with a serious knee issue – and Jeremie Frimpong, who suffered a groin problem in the 6-0 demolition of Qarabag last week.
Joe Gomez had been expected to returns to the match-day squad but remains sidelined. The versatile defender had been out for the past fortnight after suffering an hip issue in the 3-2 loss at Bournemouth.
Gomez’s absence further stretches the options Slot has at present in his backline.
The Reds attempted to bring in cover at the back late in the transfer window but were unable to boost their numbers before Monday’s 7pm deadline.
Liverpool: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike. Subs: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Endo, Jones, Robertson, Chiesa, Ngumoha, Nyoni, Ramsay.
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, Bernardo O’Reilly; Semenyo, Haaland, Marmoush. Subs: Trafford, Dias, Reijnders, Ake, Cherki, Nico, Foden, Alleyne, Lewis.