Van Dijk is already preparing for the day he leaves
Virgil van Dijk says he is preparing for the "emotional day" he leaves Liverpool (7). His contract expires at the end of this season, so the captain is in the final year of his deal. He is not waiting for the club to decide before thinking about it. He already knows what it will feel like.
Isak and Gakpo could both miss City
Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are both doubts for Sunday's visit of Manchester City (4) (5). Jeremy Jacquet is on the injury list too (5). If Isak and Gakpo are out, Liverpool's front line changes shape against the champions.
City come to Anfield after the guilty verdict
Manchester City arrive at Anfield on Sunday for their first game since being found guilty of Premier League charges (6) (10) (12). Anfield is expected to be hostile (2). Fans have been warned about their reaction, with a "We'll show you" message doing the rounds (2). Erling Haaland and Enzo Maresca both spoke in the build-up. Maresca: "Manchester City have complete faith in the club's management" (12).
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Morientes wants Yamal as Salah's successor
Fernando Morientes would love Liverpool to sign Lamine Yamal from Barcelona as Mohamed Salah's replacement (3). Probably not happening. The same report calls a Liverpool move for Yamal "highly unlikely" (3). Morientes also namechecked Bradley Barcola and Harry Kane (3).
Alisson, the right-back race and Fabian Ruiz
A possible Alisson Becker move to Juventus could be thwarted, and Manchester City may challenge Liverpool for a right-back (1). Liverpool are also among the clubs monitoring PSG's Fabian Ruiz, with Chelsea reportedly preparing a €70m offer (8) (9).
Wirtz and the search for a successor
Liverpool are reportedly lining up a replacement for Florian Wirtz, with uncertainty over his performances and his future at the club (11).
What's next
Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, 17:30 CEST, in the Premier League (1). You sit sixth on 9 points from 5 games, with a trip to LASK Linz in the Champions League on Wednesday, then Brentford away on Saturday, October 17 (1).
Fan reactions
The big talking point is the referee appointment for the City game: Chris Kavanagh, from Manchester, taking charge of a match against Manchester City. Nobody is thrilled. The sub has rolled out the usual Free Talk Friday thread, and a speculative Mbappe-to-Liverpool post has fans chatting about 2027.
Most-read thread: This weekend's referee
