Liverpool’s chances of defending their title look non-existent as we approach the final third of the season, but they could yet play a big part in the title race as they face rivals Manchester City this weekend.
By Neel Shelat
Liverpool getting back to their best at home
After a blockbuster start, optimism for Liverpool’s campaign quickly fizzled out as the team faced issues in different departments all over the pitch. The period between September and November was the toughest as they endured a run of nine losses in 12 matches, but they have been gradually recovering and have only tasted defeat once since then.
The last two matches have certainly restored a lot of positivity as Arne Slot’s side have scored 10 goals while conceding just one, notably putting Newcastle United to the sword last weekend. Having only been defeated by Manchester City at Anfield once in the last 22 years, the Reds will be confident of picking up some points from this match.
City’s second half struggles
Manchester City also enjoyed a big win over Newcastle in midweek, but their recent form has been far from encouraging. They have won just one of their last six Premier League fixtures, and that was against the bottom club. Last weekend, they failed to win despite holding a two-goal lead at half-time for the first time in almost eight years.
That was no one-off; it was a reflection of a concerning trend for Pep Guardiola’s side. 17 of the 23 goals they have conceded in the Premier League this season have come after the break, so Liverpool’s substitutes should certainly back themselves to make a telling impact.
Team news
Both sides will be without a fair few key players for this match.
Liverpool’s long-term absences include Alexander Isak, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley, with their defensive department particularly depleted as Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong are also out. As a result, Dominik Szoboszlai will likely have to start at right back again. The good news for the Hungarian international is that two of Manchester City’s trickiest dribblers, Jérémy Doku and Savinho, won’t feature either.
Bernardo Silva’s doubtful status could pose the biggest challenge for Guardiola as his side have consistently had issues with their balance in midfield. Mateo Kovačić, John Stones and Joško Gvardiol remain unavailable.
Key players
With both defences depleted, attackers should be expected to shine in this game. Summer signings Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz have really been hitting their strides for Liverpool lately, having notched up a combined seven goal involvements in the last two games. At the other end, Alisson could well be asked to make some big saves.
Erling Haaland’s goals have rather dried up lately as he has just one in his last eight appearances, so Manchester City will look to their other stars to step up. January signing Antoine Semenyo has already scored four times for his new club, while Rayan Cherki has netted in three of his last four starts. In the absence of Silva, Nico O’Reilly might have to play a key role in midfield.
Prediction
A high-scoring affair should be expected given the attacking quality on show, so something like a 2-2 draw could well be on the cards.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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