Okay, so today I grabbed my notebook and coffee, ready to dig into the City vs Liverpool lineups. Seen the rumors flying everywhere about who’s starting, who’s hurt, blah blah. Figured I’d do what I always do: check the latest squad news first.
Step 1: Player Availability Check
Started trawling through official club updates. City’s side: KDB? Nah, still out. Walker limped off last game—maybe benched. Gvardiol’s a maybe. Liverpool’s camp: Trent definitely out, Jota still recovering. Alisson? No chance. Felt like crossing off names on a shopping list.
Step 2: Formation Puzzle Time
Sat there staring at my scribbles. City’s usual 4-1-4-1? But Pep’s wild—could easily switch to a 3-2-4-1 with Stones pushing up. Scribbled Kovacic AND Rodri deep if they wanna strangle midfield. Liverpool’s headache: no Trent means Bradley probably starts, but Gomez might cover too. Salah on the right, Diaz left, Núñez up top? Or Gakpo for chaos. Jotted like five variations.
Step 3: Tactics Overthink Session
Leaned back, imagined the game flow. City pressing high? Alvarez might start for relentless energy. Liverpool’s counter without Trent—gotta rely on speed down left. Arsenal loss rattled ‘em? Klopp might go risky. Pep’s mind games with the lineups… gave me a headache. Wrote down key clashes: Rodri vs Mac Allister battle, Haaland vs Konaté’s muscle.
Final Prediction Mess
After an hour, my notebook looked like a toddler doodled on it. Here’s my take:
City (likely):
- Ederson
- Walker or Rico – Dias – Akanji – Gvardiol if fit
- Rodri – Stones as hybrid
- Foden – Kovačić – Silva – Grealish
- Haaland
Liverpool (probable):
- Kelleher
- Bradley – Konaté – Van Dijk – Robertson
- Endō – Mac Allister
- Salah – Szobo – Diaz
- Núñez
Why bother? Cause last season, I guessed both lineups right on derby day—won $50 off my mate Dave at pub. Lost the damn receipt but still brag about it. Dave still owes me a pint, actually. Fat chance he’ll pay up.
