As Manchester City change is wanted, Liverpool has three questions that require resolution.

Liverpool have a dismal record at Manchester City, and Jurgen Klopp will understand the importance of team selection in order to end an eight-year wait for a Premier League victory at the Etihad.

There is no denying that Liverpool’s performance at the Etihad Stadium under Jurgen Klopp has been, well, less than stellar.

While it is true that Liverpool won the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal in 2018, they did so with a three-goal advantage.

However, ever since November 2015, when Liverpool defeated Manchester City 4-1 at East Lancs Road to begin Klopp’s tenure, the visitors have habitually returned with their tails between their knees following another humiliating setback.

Conversely, this has occurred far too frequently since City’s relocation to their current residence two decades ago. Liverpool has only emerged victorious in three of twenty league visits and in one of their last fourteen, accumulating a meager eight points from a possible 42 during that stretch.

Since more than a decade ago, the Reds have failed to maintain a clean sheet in that location. Furthermore, they have conceded 19 times in their last seven defeatless trips and have only emerged victorious in one of the last seven encounters against City in the league, a 1-0 victory at Anfield last season.

Not impressive. Thus, it is a pattern that Klopp’s squad will attempt to reverse on Saturday at midday at the Etihad, a triumph that would propel them to the summit of the Premier League standings.

As usual, team selection will be crucial. Additionally, before admonishing Pep Guardiola’s treble champions, the Liverpool manager must respond to three enormous inquiries.

The left-back circumstance

Undoubtedly, among all the personnel Liverpool could bare to lose, it is at least one full-back, such is their critical role in carrying out the style of play that Klopp desires for his squad. Furthermore, the extended absence of Andy Robertson has caused considerable distress for the Reds manager.

Kostas Tsimikas has served as the substitute but, according to his own admission, has struggled for form since the previous home match against Brentford. Additionally, he has not begun a game against City before, appearing in just 26 minutes across three substitute appearances.

Thus, it was instructive that Joe Gomez made his left-back debut for Luton Town earlier this month, marking his first appearance in that position in close to six years. Last season, he performed admirably at center back against City at Anfield, and while he would sacrifice attacking threat, he would provide a more consistent defensive option.

Not or endo?

As has been the case since the summer, when Jordan Henderson and Fabinho followed James Milner out, the defensive midfield position remains uncertain.

Alexis Mac Allister has been the starting lineup staple, but opponents less threatening than City have occasionally exposed the fact that it is not his natural position. Furthermore, although Wataru Endo is the sole senior number six recognized by the squad, it was only his second start in the Premier League against Brentford.

Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai will undoubtedly begin, vacating a single available space. Should Klopp retain the Argentine at number six and reintroduce Curtis Jones to the midfield three’s left flank? Is Ryan Gravenberch permitted to enter before Jones? Alternatively, does commencing Endo enable Mac Allister to advance further?

However, it is also possible that Klopp will cast another curveball in this matchup by switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Jones or Endo replacing Mac Allister. Whatever decision the Liverpool manager makes could very well determine the outcome of the game.

Jota surfaced.

Concerns exist not only on the defensive end, but also on the left flank. The other two forward positions appear to be solidified, with the in-form Darwin Nunez down the middle and Mohamed Salah anticipated to start on the right.

The remaining expansive role, nevertheless, is subject to discussion. While Cody Gakpo remains a potential substitute, the realistic choices are Diogo Jota or Luis Diaz. Prior to the recent events involving his father, the latter was in possession. However, he will be buoyed by two goals scored by Colombia in their recent victory over Brazil.

Conversely, Jota has been in sensational form in terms of scoring and, intriguingly, has started each of Liverpool’s previous five Premier League encounters against City in which he has been available.