The international break ends with a spectacular bang as Liverpool travel to rivals Manchester City for the weekend’s first FA Cup quarterfinal tie.
Liverpool entered the international period off the back of a 10th Premier League defeat of the season, and the FA Cup can be one of few remaining sources of joy for Arne Slot’s strugglers. Still, overcoming City on the road will prove an immense challenge.
Another potential route to success is the Champions League, with Liverpool visiting Paris Saint-Germain in their quarterfinal first leg midweek, and one eye might be on that challenging away day when Slot makes his team selection.
Mohamed Salah Back in Contention
Slot has confirmed that Mohamed Salah is “very close” to returning from injury. The Egyptian, who has revealed his Liverpool exit at the end of the season since last appearing for the club, missed the Brighton & Hove Albion defeat and subsequent international break with Egypt.
Federico Chiesa is another who could feature on Saturday despite missing the internationals and the same even applies to long-term absentee Alexander Isak following his return to training on Thursday. The Swede has been missing since just before Christmas with a broken leg and one report has suggested he could be involved at the Etihad despite such a lengthy layoff.
Alisson won’t make his comeback from injury, however, keeping Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endō and Conor Bradley company in the treatment room. They have been joined by Jeremie Frimpong after his injury over the international break—the right back a major doubt for the weekend as a result.
- ⚠️ Key absentees, doubts: Mohamed Salah, Jeremie Frimpong, Alexander Isak, Alisson, Federico Chiesa, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni.
- 🔢 Predicted formation: 4-2-2-2
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili—Mamardashvili conceded and saved a penalty during the 3–0 defeat at Man City back in November. The Georgian will hope to be less involved in this weekend’s FA Cup showdown.
RB: Joe Gomez—With Frimpong doubtful and Bradley missing, Gomez could earn a start at right back. The 28-year-old should be feeling fresh after having earned some valuable rest over the past fortnight.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Konaté’s performances have been alarmingly inconsistent this season, as evidenced by recent showings for the Reds. The Frenchman looks set to struggle with Erling Haaland.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Liverpool’s skipper scored his 12th international goal over the break, firing past Haaland’s Norway—albeit the towering striker was absent. He will aim to be an attacking threat again this weekend having seen a goal controversially ruled out at the Etihad back in November.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Kerkez’s delicate finish was the only positive from Liverpool’s dismal defeat to Brighton last time out, but the Hungarian will be more focused on his defensive responsibilities up against former Bournemouth teammate Antoine Semenyo.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—The midfield battle will prove crucial on Saturday and Gravenberch must be on top of his game to triumph against the likes of Rodri and Bernardo Silva.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister—Mac Allister featured in both of Argentina’s friendlies, the last thing Slot needed given how knackered the midfielder has looked throughout the campaign.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai—Another talismanic performance is required from Liverpool’s player of the season if the Reds are to reach the semifinals. They can’t function without Szoboszlai this term.
AM: Florian Wirtz—Liverpool are desperate to witness a similarly influential performance from Wirtz as the one he delivered for Germany in the team’s 4–3 win over Switzerland, which included contributions to all four of his side’s goals.
ST: Mohamed Salah—Salah’s farewell tour begins here. There will be tears shed when the Egyptian departs this summer, but attention must be on finishing the campaign on a high—and perhaps with an FA Cup trophy in hand.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Liverpool XI vs. Man City—FA Cup Quarterfinal: Injury News, Predicted Lineup.
