Manchester City visit Liverpool on Sunday in a blockbuster Premier League clash. Manchester City have been in terrible form with 5 losses and a draw in their last six matches.
The Citizens in the span of six matches have conceded 17 goals and scored 7.
Despite taking a 3-0 lead over Feyernoord in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, the former European champions fall apart in less than 15 minutes as the Dutch side made it 3-3.
Many have argued that the Premier champions’ miseries is due to the absence of 2024 Ballon D’or recipient, Rodri who has been termed as the team’s most important player.
The former Atletico Madrid midfielder has a 74% win rate when he plays for Manchester City in the Premier League and 61% when he’s absent.
However, others believe that Pep Guardiola’s team has reached it’s peak. Consequently suffering from the inability to find solutions especially with the absence of Rodri.
Liverpool on the other hand are unbeaten in their last 15 matches. The Reds have won 14 of those matches with a loss to Nottingham Forest in September.
Arne Slot’s side go into the game with huge confidence after outclassing and outplaying defending champions Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday.
The Reds are favorites on paper and probably on the pitch at this point but given that Manchester City still has quality players like Haaland, Foden, Savinho, Bernardo and the likes, the Reds cannot afford to underestimate them.
The odds are against Manchester City but how can the reigning champions escape defeat at Anfield on Sunday evening?
1. Lean on Bernardo Silva’s Versatility
Bernardo Silva must take on a more central role to control the midfield alongside Matheus Nunes. His work rate, creativity, and ball retention can help mitigate Liverpool’s pressing. To add balance, Guardiola could have used a defender like John Stones slightly forward in possession to create a temporary midfield reinforcement but the Englishman is still injured.
2. Exploit the Wings with Overloads
With Haaland as the focal point, Man City must attack Liverpool’s flanks where they may be vulnerable. Andy Robertson was the weakest link in Liverpool’s defense against Real Madrid on Wednesday and the likes of Savinho or Doku can take advantage.
Also, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish can spearhead wing play, supported by overlapping fullbacks like Kyle Walker and Josko Gvardiol. The strategy should focus on stretching Liverpool’s defense and delivering precise crosses into the box for Haaland to attack.
3. Defensive Solidity with a Low Block and Counter-Attacking
A pragmatic approach with a compact defensive setup might be necessary. A back three or five Walker, Dias, Aké, Akanji and Gvardiol can absorb Liverpool’s attacking pressure.
Quick transitions through Bernardo Silva, Foden, or Grealish can provide outlets, while Haaland’s pace and strength can be used to punish Liverpool on the counter.
4. Root one football
City’s ability to adapt tactically will be key. They must focus on minimizing mistakes, especially in buildup play, and capitalize on set-piece opportunities where Haaland’s physical presence can help the team.
The wide forwards might be at alert to take advantage of second balls. While Haaland will contend with Van Dijk aerially, Grealish, Doku, Savinho must be ready to pounce whenever Haaland wins those battles.
Pep Guardiola, even without key players, has the ability to innovate could still frustrate Liverpool and produce a positive result. On Sunday, it won’t be about the Pep Guardiola style but his ability to find in game solutions to secure a point or probably steal a win.
