A look at how Liverpool might line up when they are entertained by Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
Liverpool appear to have halted the worst run of Arne Slot’s tenure with successive home victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, but the head coach must now devise a plan to overcome Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
A high-intensity win and a commanding display against the 15-time European champions should see Slot’s side travel down the M62 in confident mood as they aim for a third consecutive victory over Pep Guardiola’s team.
The key concern for Slot is the physical toll of the past week. Liverpool made just one change across both fixtures, with Florian Wirtz replacing Cody Gakpo, and the squad’s energy levels will be tested again on Sunday.
Conor Bradley has been excellent in recent games, yet the 21-year-old has not previously been required to play three matches of such intensity in quick succession.
With Jeremie Frimpong sidelined by a hamstring injury, Bradley may be asked to start again, but there will be questions over how much his efforts to contain Vinicius Junior have drained him.
Slot must strike the right balance. Dominik Szoboszlai is an option in that area, although the Hungary captain has been outstanding in central midfield and may be more useful there.
On the left, Slot has greater depth but faces a similar dilemma. Andy Robertson has reminded supporters of his enduring quality in the last two fixtures, yet the Scotland captain may struggle to start again so soon.
Milos Kerkez is the alternative, but the £40m summer signing from Bournemouth has struggled to find form, making this another significant decision.
Midfield brings more selection puzzles. Szoboszlai has already shown he can sustain a high standard across three major matches in a week, but Alexis Mac Allister has spent much of the season trying to rediscover rhythm after a disrupted summer.
It is uncertain whether the Argentina international can manage a third game in eight days, though Curtis Jones is available again if required.
Last season at the Etihad, Slot surprised many by selecting a side without a recognised striker. A midfield four of Jones, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch delivered a 2-0 victory, with Mohamed Salah scoring first before Szoboszlai struck from a rehearsed corner routine.
Liverpool registered just 33.9% possession that day, their lowest in a Premier League win since records began in 2003, yet their tactical discipline and extra midfield presence allowed them to frustrate City and secure the points.
That setup raises the possibility of Wirtz operating as a false nine, with Gakpo moving back to the left of the attack. Such a move would be harsh on Hugo Ekitike, who impressed against Real Madrid, and Alexander Isak could also re-enter the equation depending on Slot’s update on Friday.
Isak has been called up by Sweden for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, suggesting his return is close. Slot is expected to clarify his status in his pre-match press conference.
Wirtz’s off-the-ball contribution could prove decisive. The Germany international covered more than 11 kilometres against Real Madrid and disrupted their buildup effectively. His technical quality is unquestioned, and deploying him at the tip of the attack may unsettle City’s defensive structure.
Isak is unlikely to start but would offer a valuable option from the bench, while Ekitike remains the leading candidate to spearhead the attack in Manchester.