Liverpool vs Manchester City Combined XI Unveiled Before Crucial Anfield Encounter
The fierce rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City may have diminished slightly this season due to the Reds' inconsistent form under Arne Slot, but a home victory on Sunday would narrow the gap to just five points between the two giants. Slot's position has faced intense scrutiny following a significant summer investment that has only yielded sixth place in the table currently.
However, Liverpool have suffered just one defeat in their last sixteen matches across all competitions, presenting a formidable challenge to a City side that has failed to win five of their previous six Premier League fixtures. With this resurgence in mind, how many Liverpool players earn a spot in Sofascore's prestigious combined lineup for this highly anticipated clash?
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Sofascore rating: 7.01)
As Manchester City enter their first season in eight years without Ederson between the posts, who better to step in than last year's Champions League and Yashin Trophy winner? The Italian goalkeeper has demonstrated remarkable reliability in high-pressure matches, earning the Premier League's Save of the Month award in September for a spectacular stop during the Manchester derby. His upcoming test at Anfield provides another opportunity to showcase his world-class abilities on a grand stage.
Defender: Ibrahima Konate (Sofascore rating: 7.10)
Liverpool have been engaged in prolonged negotiations to secure Konate's contract extension, highlighting his crucial importance to their defensive structure. His recent goal against Newcastle, scored amidst personal family difficulties, reveals the character and resilience that Liverpool desperately need to reclaim their position among England's elite clubs.
Defender: Marc Guehi (Sofascore rating: 7.24)
Pep Guardiola successfully outmaneuvered Liverpool and other European powerhouses to secure Guehi's signature during the January transfer window. The defender's composed presence in the backline and exceptional attacking threat from set-pieces made him a highly sought-after commodity, having contributed to six goals this season before his departure from Crystal Palace.
Defender: Virgil van Dijk (Sofascore rating: 7.29)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest centre-backs in football history, Van Dijk remains the unshakeable foundation of Liverpool's defence. Despite criticism about his performance levels at age thirty-four, Erling Haaland will certainly not relish facing the Dutch colossus on Sunday, particularly during the Norwegian's current Premier League goal drought.
Midfielder: Ryan Gravenberch (Sofascore rating: 7.20)
The Dutch midfielder serves as the vital link connecting Liverpool's defence and attack, contributing four crucial goals this season. His spectacular half-volley secured Liverpool's Goal of the Month award last September. If Liverpool hope to disrupt City's rhythm on Sunday, Gravenberch's physical presence and tactical positioning will prove instrumental.
Midfielder: Rodri (Sofascore rating: 7.35)
Former Ballon d'Or winner and treble champion Rodri remains the metronome that dictates City's tempo when at his best, possessing unparalleled game-reading abilities. A serious ACL injury temporarily halted his progress and City's domestic dominance, but his return to fitness significantly enhances their prospects of rebuilding momentum during the season's crucial final phase.
Midfielder: Dominik Szoboszlai (Sofascore rating: 7.13)
The versatile Hungarian international can operate effectively at right-back or in any midfield role from defensive to attacking positions. A free-kick specialist capable of scoring from extraordinary distances, Szoboszlai's stunning thirty-two-yard strike broke Arsenal's resistance in what appeared to be Liverpool's most challenging home fixture this season, suggesting City's defensive wall should prepare for similar treatment.
Midfielder: Rayan Cherki (Sofascore rating: 7.26)
Whether deployed from the bench or granted a starting role on the wing, Cherki's mesmerizing dribbling skills and creative output present a terrifying prospect for opponents. Despite being new to the Premier League at just twenty-two years old, Guardiola has already expressed such admiration that he's confessed to moments where he wants to "kiss him" for his performances.
Midfielder: Phil Foden (Sofascore rating: 7.06)
A City academy graduate through and through, Foden demonstrated his explosive potential during City's unstoppable late-2025 run, netting six goals across four consecutive matches. His recent spell outside the starting eleven may have provided the necessary refreshment to rediscover his best form for the season's decisive period.
Midfielder: Antoine Semenyo (Sofascore rating: 7.10)
The January signing from Bournemouth concluded his south coast tenure with a dramatic ninety-fifth minute winner against City's bogey team Tottenham, perfectly encapsulating his remarkable season. Arguably the Premier League's most consistent winger this campaign, the Ghanaian international has already contributed to fifteen goals. If any City player is destined to shine before the Kop on Sunday, Semenyo appears most likely to deliver a memorable performance.
Forward: Erling Haaland (Sofascore rating: 7.42)
The highest-rated player in this combined eleven and the Premier League's leading scorer with twenty goals naturally earns inclusion. Haaland began the season explosively with nineteen goals in the opening seventeen games, though he has managed just one Premier League strike in 2026. Sunday's encounter presents the perfect opportunity for the Norwegian phenomenon to rediscover his scoring touch against an in-form Liverpool side, keeping pace with league leaders Arsenal in the process.
