Liverpool tightened their grip on the Premier League title race with a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. Mohamed Salah netted his 30th goal of the season, while Dominik Szoboszlai added another before halftime, securing Liverpool’s first league win at the Etihad Stadium in nearly ten years. The result extended their lead at the top of the table, keeping them in control of the title race.
The team quickly shifts focus to their next fixture on Wednesday evening, where they will host Newcastle United. With an 11-point cushion over second-placed Arsenal, maintaining that gap remains a priority. Given the packed schedule, manager Arne Slot must carefully consider his squad selection, ensuring the players are fit and ready without risking injuries due to fatigue.
In goal, Alisson Becker is expected to retain his starting position, with Caoimhin Kelleher as his backup and Vitezslav Jaros as the third choice. The defensive lineup faces some challenges, particularly at right-back, where injuries to Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez limit options. Trent Alexander-Arnold will likely continue in that position, though Jarell Quansah, who started there in December’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle, remains a backup option.
In central defense, captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have been solid, but rotation might be necessary to prevent exhaustion. If Slot opts for a change, Quansah could step in. However, a more probable adjustment comes at left-back, where Kostas Tsimikas may replace Andy Robertson, who showed signs of fatigue after a strong first hour against City.
Liverpool’s midfield setup against Manchester City featured a box formation with four players controlling the center. While that strategy worked well at the Etihad, a return to a three-man midfield appears likely for the Newcastle match. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have consistently started as the double pivot and are expected to retain their places. Wataru Endo, who came off the bench against City, remains a strong candidate for selection.
Dominik Szoboszlai put in a tireless performance against City, making him a potential candidate for rest. If that happens, Curtis Jones could maintain his starting spot, edging out Harvey Elliott for the role. Tyler Morton remains unavailable due to a shoulder injury, while young prospects James McConnell and Trey Nyoni have yet to make a Premier League appearance this season.
Liverpool’s attacking lineup is set for some rotation, though Mohamed Salah remains a constant presence on the right wing. Cody Gakpo made a brief appearance in the City game following his recovery from injury and is expected to reclaim his spot on the left flank. That leaves a tough decision regarding the central striker role, where Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Nunez are all vying for a place.
Federico Chiesa, who arrived from Juventus in the summer, is also an option but has yet to start a Premier League match. Given the importance of squad management, Slot may opt to rotate his attacking options to keep his players fresh for the demanding schedule ahead.
With Newcastle United visiting Anfield, Liverpool will aim to maintain their dominance at the top of the table while carefully managing their squad’s fitness. The combination of strategic rotations and high-quality performances will be key as they continue their push for the Premier League title.
