Paul Merson thinks Liverpool star Joe Gomez will struggle against Manchester City

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Paul Merson has claimed that Liverpool star Joe Gomez will struggle against Manchester City today.

The Reds are without Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold for the game this evening, while Ibrahima Konate has also been reported as a big doubt. That means Gomez is almost a guaranteed starter, but can he cope with Manchester City’s incredible attack?

Paul Merson thinks Liverpool star Joe Gomez will struggle against Manchester City

Liverpool have been shocking at the back this season. Their defending has been woeful and Alexander-Arnold has been the man at the end of most criticism.

Gomez has been tipped to start at right-back against City as Alexander-Arnold is ruled out due to an ankle injury. The 25-year-old is definitely a better defender than Liverpool’s number 66, but he too has struggled this campaign.

The Champions League game against Napoli is one that springs to mind. Gomez really struggled then, and Merson believes he’ll suffer against City today as well.

The pundit wrote in his column on Sportskeeda: “Joe Gomez was all over the place at full-back against Arsenal as well, and can’t see anything but a struggle against Foden and Grealish this weekend.

“Do I see Liverpool winning? No.

“They’re still letting in too many goals. Manchester City have got Haaland and will still win a lot of games this season. I don’t see how Liverpool are going to stop them from scoring at least two goals this weekend.”

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Joe Gomez was once absolutely incredible for Liverpool. He had settled in really well alongside Virgil van Dijk and showed signs of becoming a truly sensational defender.

However, since his terrible injury in the 2020/21 campaign, he has struggled. He just hasn’t been able to perform at his highest level, and many even believed he would be sold in the summer.

Liverpool surprised many people by tying Gomez down to a new contract back in July, but the Englishman, despite a few flashes of brilliance, has continued to struggle.

The game against Manchester City will be his toughest test of the season. He will have to be at his best to contain Pep Guardiola’s forwards, but that’s easier said than done, isn’t it?