Liverpool hand Lewis Koumas his first Premier League start against Manchester City at Anfield this afternoon, with Dominik Szoboszlai a fresh addition to the injury list.
Andoni Iraola makes three changes from the side that won 1-0 at Bournemouth before the international break. Ryan Gravenberch, Victor Muñoz and Koumas replace Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak in the confirmed Liverpool line-up.
Szoboszlai misses out with a hamstring problem, while Isak and Gakpo were already ruled out after picking up thigh and ankle injuries respectively on international duty. Gravenberch comes into midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, with Florian Wirtz retaining his place.
Koumas gets the opportunity to lead the attack, supported by Muñoz and Bradley Barcola. His selection allows Iraola to keep Barcola in a wide role, with Wirtz expected to operate behind the striker.
The defence is unchanged. Jeremy Jacquet is fit to partner captain Virgil van Dijk, with Ronald Araujo and Milos Kerkez at full-back and Alisson in goal.
There is better news among the substitutes, where Federico Chiesa returns to the matchday squad. Rio Ngumoha offers another attacking option, while Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong and Wataru Endo are also available from the bench.
Confirmed Liverpool team vs Man City
Liverpool: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Muñoz, Wirtz, Barcola; Koumas.
Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Chiesa, Tsimikas, Frimpong, Nyoni, McConnell, Ngumoha.
Koumas handed his opportunity
With Isak, Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike unavailable, this is a significant afternoon for Koumas. Liverpool will need runners around him and support from midfield if he is to trouble City’s defence.
Szoboszlai’s absence also removes an important source of energy and forward running. Gravenberch and Mac Allister will need to protect the back four while giving Wirtz enough of the ball to bring the reshaped attack into the game.
Liverpool remain unbeaten after five league matches, with two wins and three draws. City have won all five of theirs, leaving the Reds six points behind the visitors in the Premier League table.
Manchester City team news
Erling Haaland leads City’s attack, while Antoine Semenyo and Nico O’Reilly also start after fitness concerns in the build-up. Phil Foden is absent through suspension.
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guehi, O’Reilly; Fernandez, Anderson; Semenyo, Cherki, Ndiaye; Haaland.
Substitutes: Rulli, Kovacic, Doku, Reis, Gvardiol, Bouaddi, Allan, Khusanov, Lewis.
Liverpool v Manchester City: match details
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Anfield
Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026
Kick-off: 4.30pm BST
UK television: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
Liverpool have kept their defensive unit intact, but the changes further forward demand a different approach. For Koumas, the chance is clear: lead the line and give City something to deal with.
