Enzo Maresca could unleash his first-choice attack right when Manchester City need it
· Yahoo Sports
After an international break that felt like it spanned an eternity, which was packed with bullets aimed at Manchester City, the Premier League returns this weekend. Attention will shift to matters on the pitch, which will be a welcome relief. Enzo Maresca’s side takes on Liverpool this Sunday at Anfield, which promises to be a match full of talking points and drama. Looking at how City may line up at Anfield, circumstances may allow Enzo Maresca to unleash his preferred attacking lineup against Andoni Iraola’s side at Anfield.
Circumstances may allow Manchester City to unleash their first-choice attack at Anfield.
Heading into the season, a fair assumption would be that Manchester City’s first-choice attack would be composed of Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo on the left and right wings, Rayan Cherki as the number ten with Erling Haaland up front. However, Enzo Maresca hasn’t been able to use this front four so far this season. Jeremy Doku missed Manchester City’s first six matches of the 2026-27 season due to a calf injury. He played the final 15 minutes of City’s 5-3 win over Sunderland and should be closer to full fitness now. Doku also had an opportunity to rest during the international break. He should be ready to go for what comes next for Manchester City.
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Antoine Semenyo could be in the same boat as Jeremy Doku. Semenyo withdrew from the Ghana squad for the extended international break. Semenyo was suffering from a swollen ankle. It is hoped that a period of rest will have Semenyo ready to go. If he is, Enzo Maresca will likely start Doku on the left and Semenyo on the right.
The variable that may decide if Enzo Maresca can unleash Manchester City’s first-choice attack at Anfield is the fitness of Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki. Haaland has carried a heavy workload throughout the new season. He was suffering from fatigue and was given a few days’ rest by Manchester City. Rayan Cherki also played four times for France over the international break. But he should be ready to start against Liverpool. The watch seems to be on Haaland’s physical condition. If he is fit to start it would be a major surprise if Enzo Maresca didn’t start him, Cherki, Doku and Semenyo on Sunday.
If Enzo Maresca unleashes a rested Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo, they could exploit a weak point in Liverpool’s defence.
My assumption would be that Doku and Semenyo will start against Liverpool. They should both be rested and ready to go. If that is the case, the pair could be perfect to exploit what looks to be a weakness in Andoni Iraola’s side.
In Liverpool’s last match, a 1-0 win over Bournemouth, Milos Kerkez started at left-back and Ronald Araujo at right-back. The prospect of Semenyo and Doku getting opportunities to take on Kerkez and Araujo could be crucial for Manchester City. Enzo Maresca sets his side up to create one-on-one opportunities for the wingers. This set up could exploit a perceived weakness of Andoni Iraola’s side. Especially if Doku and Semenyo are on it as they should be after a sustained period of rest. Also, if the pair can provide Erling Haaland, and his teammates, with the service they need to prosper they could be Manchester City’s trump card at Anfield.
Final thoughts.
We are yet to see Enzo Maresca utilise his strongest attacking quartet so far this season. That could be set to change when Manchester City take on Liverpool on Sunday at Anfield. If everything goes to plan, I’d expect Haaland, Cherki, Semenyo and Doku to start for City. If they do, and thrive, they could turn what promises to be a tasty match in Manchester City’s favour.