Liverpool vs Manchester City: Munoz starts as Gakpo misses out

Liverpool face Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, 2026, kicking off at 16:30 local time. Andoni Iraola's unbeaten side meet Enzo Maresca's City, who have won all their Premier League matches this season. Cody Gakpo is injured, so £35 million signing Victor Munoz is predicted to start on the right flank.

  • Fixture: Liverpool vs Manchester City — Premier League matchday six
  • Venue: Anfield
  • Kick-off: Sunday, October 11, 2026, 16:30 local time
  • Key selection: Victor Munoz replaces the injured Cody Gakpo on the right
  • At stake: Liverpool's unbeaten start versus City's 100% top-flight record
  • Context: First match back from the international break for both sides

Predicted line-ups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Predicted starting XI: Alisson Becker; Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai; Victor Munoz, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola; Alexander Isak.

Predicted substitutes: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Ryan Gravenberch.

Selection notes

Alisson Becker is expected to keep his place in goal ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili. In defence, Jeremy Jacquet has consolidated his position and could continue as the central defender alongside Virgil van Dijk. Ronald Araujo is likely to be picked at right back over Jeremie Frimpong, while Milos Kerkez might retain his place on the left.

In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch has been on the periphery for much of this season and is expected to be on the bench once more, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai the favourites to retain their berths in the double pivot. Florian Wirtz could play as the attacking midfielder. With Cody Gakpo injured, £35 million summer recruit Victor Munoz could replace him on the right flank, while another 2026 acquisition, Bradley Barcola, could feature on the left wing. Alexander Isak is expected to be the solitary striker, off the back of some very good form and Hugo Ekitike's injury absence.

Injury and availability

Cody Gakpo is injured and will miss the visit of Manchester City. His absence opens the door for Victor Munoz on the right flank.

Hugo Ekitike is also injured and unavailable, leaving Alexander Isak as the solitary striker option in the predicted XI.

Why Iraola trusts Munoz to fill the Gakpo void

Andoni Iraola's first season at Anfield has been built on control and rotation, and the visit of Enzo Maresca's Manchester City will test both. With Cody Gakpo injured, the Liverpool manager must replace a left-footed right winger with a £35 million summer recruit who has been eased in gradually. Victor Munoz now gets the chance to show he can stretch a City defence that has won all of its Premier League matches this season. The move keeps Bradley Barcola on the left, preserving width on both flanks.

The double pivot of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai will be tasked with shielding a back four featuring Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk. Ryan Gravenberch's peripheral role continues, with the Dutchman expected on the bench, while Florian Wirtz operates as the No 10. That shape gives Liverpool a compact midfield three when out of possession, but relies on Ronald Araujo and Milos Kerkez to provide the width when the wingers drift inside.

Up front, Alexander Isak is the lone striker and arrives off some very good form. With Hugo Ekitike injured, there is no natural senior alternative on the bench, so Liverpool's game management will hinge on keeping Isak fit and involved. Against a City side that has won every top-flight fixture this season, the margin between a sixth unbeaten match and a first defeat under Iraola is likely to be decided by how quickly Munoz and Barcola adapt to the pace of the contest.

Talking points

  • Is Victor Munoz, a £35 million summer signing, ready to start a fixture of this magnitude on the right flank?
  • Should Ryan Gravenberch be given a chance in the double pivot ahead of Mac Allister or Szoboszlai?
  • With Hugo Ekitike injured, is relying on Alexander Isak as the sole striker a risk for Liverpool?
  • Can Liverpool's makeshift right side of Araujo and Munoz contain City's attack for 90 minutes?

What happens next

Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 16:30 local time in the Premier League matchday six fixture. The result will shape both clubs' early-season trajectories: Liverpool are looking to continue their unbeaten start, while City are aiming to maintain their 100% top-flight record. Iraola's team selection will be confirmed roughly an hour before kick-off.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cody Gakpo injured for Liverpool vs Man City?

Yes. Cody Gakpo is injured and is expected to miss the match, with £35 million summer recruit Victor Munoz predicted to replace him on the right flank.

Who is predicted to start up front for Liverpool against Manchester City?

Alexander Isak is expected to be the solitary striker for Liverpool against Manchester City, off the back of some very good form, with Hugo Ekitike injured.

What time is Liverpool vs Manchester City kick-off?

The match kicks off at 16:30 local time on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Anfield in the Premier League matchday six fixture.

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