Man City vs Liverpool: Reds looking to complete the perfect week
A win would see Liverpool move within five points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table...
Liverpool’s trip to Manchester City today will be a defining moment in the Premier League title race. A clash that might not decide the title, but one that could define whether this Arne Slot side is ready to chase it. Fresh off the back of two season-reviving victories against a tough Aston Villa side and a world-class Real Madrid outfit. Liverpool’s rhythm is returning, and that confidence is slowly creeping in again.
And away at the Etihad could be the best place to prove it.
Belief Has Returned in Red
Ten days ago, the idea of Liverpool mounting a push for the title looked distant. The form was dreadful and six defeats in seven across all competitions had drained confidence and raised doubts. The fluency had gone and even Arne Slot’s tactical imprint looked like it was being smudged.
But what a difference ten days can make.
The win against Real Madrid at Anfield was more than just deserved, it was dominant. Madrid barely laid a glove, and Liverpool’s control across the pitch spoke volumes. The tempo was back, the pressing triggered like clockwork, and most importantly, belief coursed through the performance. That belief followed on from the Villa game, where the 2-0 scoreline told the story of Liverpool’s routine performance.
The young talent are beginning to click under Slot’s high-tempo setup, it feels like they’re just starting to build something again.
Manchester City Are Beatable
This Manchester City team is still elite, still capable of brilliance, but it’s not the all-conquering, record-breaking juggernaut of years gone by. That’s not opinion, it’s observation. The fluidity hasn’t been the same. The control that Pep Guardiola’s sides thrive on has faltered in big moments, and their vulnerability in transition has shown more than once this season.
City’s current back line lacks pace. When you contrast that with Liverpool’s explosive options in attack, it presents a genuine route to exploit. Salah pulling wide and dragging defenders with him. Ekitike running off the shoulder. Wirtz operating in those half spaces with real menace. Against Madrid, that dynamic movement caused the visitors all sorts of issues. Why not expect similar problems for City?
Erling Haaland will always pose a threat, and Phil Foden can still have his moments of magic. But this is not a City team cruising through the league. They’ve shown signs of fatigue, vulnerability and cracks. Liverpool should be looking to capitalise.
Predicted Line-Up and the Key Battle Zones
Liverpool predicted XI:
Mamardashvili
Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson
Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai
Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz
It’s a line-up balanced with both grit and guile. The fullbacks will be vital — Bradley and Robertson will need to cover enormous ground, especially to pin City’s wide players and stop overloads. In midfield, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister must continue their surge forward while keeping shape, especially in transitions where City can kill you in two passes.
Mamardashvili has grown in stature with every game and will need another big performance in Alisson’s absence. In the backline, Van Dijk and Konate must command the air and the ground. This is the type of game where Van Dijk’s aura can have as much effect as his actual defending.
The midfield battle will be crucial. Liverpool’s three must stifle City’s control. If they can dictate the press and force rushed decisions, they’ll feed their front line with better territory and tempo.
Time to Go and Take It
This game isn’t about catching Arsenal, not yet. It’s about proving that Liverpool are back in the conversation. That Slot’s reign wasn’t just a flash in the pan with last season’s title win. That the bumps really were just bumps.
Score Prediction: Man City 1-2 Liverpool