City are eight points back on the Reds going into Sunday’s crunch clash at Anfield
Is there ever a good time to play Manchester City? If there is, surely Liverpool are on the brink of one of those rare occasions.
While the Reds have surged to the top of the Champions League and Premier League standings under new head coach Arne Slot, City have disintegrated in recent weeks. After a staggering five successive losses they were pegged back from 3-0 up against Feyenoord in midweek, drawing 3-3.
The signs of frustration for Pep Guardiola were tangible, as the City boss was left covered in scratches of his doing after that game. At Liverpool on Sunday it feels as though more pain will be coming on the pitch.
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Guardiola has had to make do without a number of key players in recent weeks which has undoubtedly contributed to City’s plight. Ballon D’Or winner Rodri is out for the rest of the domestic season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury, while youngster Oscar Bobb is also sidelined after a leg fracture in pre-season.
In another blow to City, Mateo Kovacic – who has deputised for Rodri – will miss the match at Anfield too after an issue accrued on international duty.
In terms of doubts, John Stones was taken off at half time in the 4-0 loss to Tottenham on his return to action. Jeremy Doku also returned to training this week and could be in contention for the weekend’s match.
Ruben Dias could start, though, after featuring on the bench for City in the clash with Feyenoord.
Regardless of the form and fitness issues going into the game, City cannot afford to lose at Liverpool and be considered serious title contenders. They are currently eight points back on the Reds and would surely find an eight-point gap impossible to make up given Liverpool’s form.
