The greatest rivalry of the Premier League era returns this Sunday, and this time, it feels different. After a turbulent run, Arne Slot’s Reds have delivered two consecutive clean sheets and, crucially, two massive wins: a gritty 2-0 league victory over Aston Villa, followed by a masterful 1-0 Champions League triumph over Real Madrid on Tuesday, secured by Alexis Mac Allister’s header. We’ve found our identity again, and the timing couldn’t be better.
Now, we travel to the Etihad to face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who currently sit just one point ahead of us in second place, both teams hunting down Arsenal at the top. This is a six-pointer, a title-race hinge, and a true test of our resurgence.
The good news for us is the fitness situation at City. Midfield maestro and former Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is a major doubt, having missed their midweek win over Dortmund. If he misses out, it is a monumental advantage for Liverpool, giving Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch more space to dictate the tempo and launch attacks down the flanks, where City are often vulnerable.
However, City’s threat remains immense. They are fresh off a 4-1 win and, of course, boast Erling Haaland, who is reportedly having a frightening season. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté will need the performance of their lives to nullify the striker who has tormented defenses across Europe. Our full-backs, Andy Robertson and Conor Bradley (who was superb against Vinícius Jr.), must hold their nerve and restrict City’s creativity in wide areas.
Despite the continued absence of Alisson and Alexander Isak, the recent results prove the quality is still there. We need Mohamed Salah to shine and Mac Allister to maintain his current form. If we can control the midfield and withstand the early pressure, we have every chance of leaving Pep’s 1,000th game in management with all three points. This is our moment.
