Liverpool must try to keep Erling Haaland quietplaceholder image
Liverpool must try to keep Erling Haaland quiet | Getty Images
Liverpool will visit the Etihad to take on Manchester City this Sunday
Liverpool will hope their recent nosedive in form is firmly behind them after returning to winning ways against Aston Villa and Real Madrid.
The Reds have a huge opportunity to move into second in the Premier League table this weekend, as a mouth-watering clash with Manchester City looms. Pep Guardiola’s side are just one point ahead of the reigning champions, and a defeat would see them fall down the standings.
Sunderland and Bournemouth are level on points with Liverpool, so they will also be eyeing the prospect of moving into second place this weekend. The Black Cats are up against leaders Arsenal, which will make for a very interesting clash for the entire top five.
Liverpool must focus on silencing Erling Haaland providers
Naturally, Liverpool must prioritise keeping City’s key attacking threat quiet. Erling Haaland currently leads the Golden Boot race with 13 Premier League goals in ten appearances. With 20 goals on their tally as a team, Haaland is responsible for 65 percent of them.
The Norwegian has been a devastating force for Guardiola and he is expected to continue his impressive form in front of goal this season.
While Liverpool’s defence can focus on man-marking Haaland, they must also be aware of those that feed him. Jeremy Doku, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki have assisted six of Haaland’s goals this season, notching two assists each. The latter two signed for City over the summer and have wasted no time getting stuck into the creative action, gelling well with their new teammates.
City have scored more goals than any other side in the Premier League so far this season and they will be hungry for a strong performance against Liverpool. While stopping Haaland while be the focus, it is stopping his biggest providers that will be key and what the Reds must focus on. If they stop the ball getting to the hulking striker in the first place, then they will not need to worry about what he can do with possession at his feet.
Liverpool team news vs Man City
Liverpool have been urged to keep the back four that proved successful against both Aston Villa and Real Madrid. Danny Murphy has called for Andy Robertson to keep his place as starting left-back, rather than the struggling Milos Kerkez.
Liverpool are struggling with some fitness issues this season, with Alisson still sidelined and Jeremie Frimpong also working his way back to fitness. Record signing Alexander Isak is also a doubt for the City clash due to a groin injury, however, he has been named in Sweden’s squad for the upcoming international break.
Further discussing Liverpool’s team decisions, Murphy praised Dominik Szoboszlai and his impact on the Reds’ midfield, which could lead to Florian Wirtz playing on the wing more often, as he did against Real Madrid.
“But I think when he plays in the midfield, you're right. Liverpool are, they're more athletic and more tenacious, which means defensively they're better. And if Wirtz needs to play off the left, and so be it for a while, you know, that's not a problem because he gives teams a different problem than Gakpo's pace and more orthodox wing play.
“Wirtz comes inside in those pockets and he's tricky and he's got vision. It's a dilemma now that he's got moving forward, but all he had to do this week was get Liverpool back to playing well and getting some wins. And two out of three are done.”
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