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Andoni Iraola faces the most significant test of his Liverpool managerial career when Manchester City arrive at Anfield in the Premier League this Sunday, with the Spaniard confronting several selection headaches ahead of the fixture.
The Reds return from the international break sitting sixth in the table following an unbeaten start to Iraola's tenure. Wins against Ipswich Town and his former club Bournemouth have been bookended by disappointing draws against Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Fulham.
Iraola will be eager to secure a statement win against the Cityzens, who are playing their first game since being found guilty of violating Premier League financial regulations, though his squad options have been limited by injuries picked up during the international window.
Here's how Liverpool could set up for this crucial encounter.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
GK: Alisson—Having celebrated his 34th birthday just last week, Alisson was given a well-deserved break during the international period after being left out of Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad in favor of less experienced alternatives.
RB: Ronald Araújo—The Barcelona loanee had a busy few weeks, featuring against Japan and South Korea before being rested for Uruguay's match against India during their Asian tour.
CB: Jérémy Jacquet—Despite picking up a minor hamstring problem during his first senior international break with France, Iraola has confirmed that Jacquet is "ready to go" ahead of the upcoming clash with Erling Haaland.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Van Dijk's encounters with the Norwegian powerhouse have always been intensely competitive and a delight to watch. Haaland will once again pose a stern challenge for the Liverpool skipper.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Kerkez netted his first-ever goal for Hungary during the international break, but his attention will firmly be on his defensive responsibilities when facing Iliman Ndiaye.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai—Szoboszlai featured for 80 minutes or more across each of Hungary's four UEFA Nations League fixtures, which could leave him carrying some fatigue heading into the City visit.
Pick Your Liverpool XI!
CM: Alexis Mac Allister—Fresh from playing a part in Lionel Messi's official Argentina farewell, Mac Allister returns to club football looking to build on the strong form he showed during the opening weeks of the season.
RW: Victor Muñoz—Iraola has experimented with several left-sided wingers on the right flank due to the lack of a natural option in that position. Muñoz has impressed when used there and could get the call against City.
AM: Florian Wirtz—Expectations continue to weigh heavily on Wirtz as he struggles to fully deliver in a Liverpool shirt. Nevertheless, he once again shone for Germany during the break, finding the net on his first start under Jürgen Klopp.
LW: Rio Ngumoha—Cody Gakpo has been ruled out of the City fixture after picking up an injury while on international duty with the Netherlands, creating an opportunity for the young Ngumoha to make an impact down the left flank.
ST: Bradley Barcola—Alexander Isak also fell victim to injury while away with Sweden, and Iraola has confirmed he will miss the City game. This may compel the Liverpool manager to deploy Barcola as an inventive solution in the No. 9 position—a role he has filled on occasion previously.