Opinions, analysis and commentary
Antoine Semenyo is the safest false nine for City, with Rayan Cherki the creative alternative. Manchester City head to Anfield on 11 October with five wins from five, yet Erling Haaland asked to leave the pitch for Norway on Sunday. Phil Foden is suspended, so the realistic fallback is Semenyo or Cherki. Liverpool sit sixth and are unbeaten in five league games under new coach Andoni Iraola. The draw of Anfield makes the choice harder, because City cannot afford a second weakness in attack.
Haaland signalled to the bench and was replaced in the 67th minute of Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal, having been seen limping. Coach Ståle Solbakken did not mention an injury and pointed to workload, as Haaland started all four Nations League games and scored three goals, all in the first two. Three goals in the first two games and none in the last two points to a tiring player.
Norway sit bottom of their group with two games left. Fatigue looks more likely than injury, but City have not confirmed anything, and Enzo Maresca speaks on Friday, so treat availability as likely, not certain. Even so, a fit Haaland would start at Anfield, which makes the contingency plan important.
Semenyo scored 17 Premier League goals last season and has two goals and three assists in five league games this term, with both goals and one assist coming against Sunderland. Both of those goals came in that one match, so the sample is narrow. That output makes him City’s most productive option outside the main striker role.
When Haaland battled niggles late last season, City used a 4-2-2-2 with Semenyo as a forward or central support. After the Sunderland game, he said he was feeling the knocks, and he pulled out of Ghana duty with a swollen leg, so his own fitness needs checking. Any plan that leans on him must allow for a rest or a replacement.
A false nine drops deep to pull centre-backs out of position. City’s only realistic options are Semenyo and Cherki, with 17-year-old academy forward Floyd Samba a big ask. Haaland has started all seven City games this season, so neither has led the line yet. That inexperience is why the decision falls to the two senior options.
City sit top on 15 points, three clear of Arsenal. Foden, a false nine in City’s 4-1 Anfield win in 2021, is serving a three-match ban for his red card against Manchester United. City have the points cushion to try something new, but Anfield is not the venue for a rehearsal.
| Player | Natural Position | Goals | Assists | Min0utes Played as Centre-Forward |
| Antoine Semenyo | Right Winger / Forward | 2 | 3 | Rotated across attack |
| Rayan Cherki | Attacking Midfielder | 3 | 2 | No starts there |
Cherki has three goals and two assists in 303 league minutes, having started four of five league games, but he and Semenyo have scored five goals from only 1.06 expected goals combined, so finishing may cool. Their combined finishing has outrun the chances created, which is a warning sign. Cherki scored in the Sunderland win and created 12 league assists last season.
As a false nine, he would pull Liverpool’s centre-backs out of shape, though he offers less penalty-box presence than Semenyo. That trade-off is why Semenyo gets the nod here. He would suit a match where City expect to dominate the ball.
City conceded three in a 5-3 win over Sunderland, whose expected goals reached 4.25 from 17 shots. The Sunderland game showed that City can be opened up when their shape slips. Maresca admitted two of the three goals were too easy. Liverpool have scored seven and conceded four in five league games.
A creator-led attack leaves fewer bodies in the box, so Liverpool can press City’s build-up and counter. Nico O’Reilly left England duty with an undisclosed injury and is a doubt, which could weaken the defence further. Those are the pressure points Iraola’s side will target on the day. For the Premier League 2026 Man City false nine decision, the safest answer is the player who still gives City a presence in the area.
Would you start Semenyo or Cherki at Anfield if Haaland misses out? Share your pick in the comments.
Is Haaland playing against Liverpool this weekend?
Haaland is probably fit, but City have not confirmed his fitness. Fatigue looks more likely than injury after he asked to leave the pitch for Norway, and Enzo Maresca speaks to the press on Friday.
Who will replace Haaland if he is out?
Antoine Semenyo is the likeliest option, with Rayan Cherki as an alternative. Phil Foden is suspended, and 17-year-old academy forward Floyd Samba would be a big ask against Liverpool.
What time is Liverpool vs Man City on 11 October?
Kick-off is 4:30 pm BST at Anfield, which is 9:30 pm in Bangladesh. City arrive top of the league on 15 points, three clear of Arsenal, with five wins from five.
Is Phil Foden suspended for the Liverpool game?
Yes, Foden is suspended. His red card against Manchester United brought a three-match ban that covers this fixture, so City cannot use him as a false nine as they did in the 4-1 Anfield win in 2021.
Has Man City won without Haaland this season?
No, there has been no such game yet, because Haaland started all seven matches. Last season City won at Leeds without him, with Semenyo scoring, so the pattern is encouraging.
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