Liverpool face a tough challenge when they travel to the Etihad to meet Erling Haaland and Manchester City. The Reds have been struggling a bit of late, so 3 points would go a long way to steadying the ship and continue pushing for an EPL title.
Salah Vs. Haaland
While there will be 22 players on the pitch, all eyes will be on Mohammed Salah and Erling Haaland as two of the best players in world football square off with one another. Haaland has 19 goals so far in the EPL for second place behind Salah's 24. Haaland has an undisclosed injury and his availability will be a game-time decision. As for Salah, he is just one goal away from 3rd place all-time on the LFC scoring list past Gordon Hodgson, who played for Liverpool from 1926 to 1935.
More Facts & Figures
Liverpool beat City at Anfield 2-0 back in December, If they win the upcoming match, it will be the first double for the Reds vs. City since the 2015-16 season. It would also be the 7th time Liverpool have completed a double vs. the reigning EPL champions, the most of any other club in the top flight. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 13 EPL matches played on Sunday and they are also looking to get a result in 15 straight matches away from Anfield.
What Does Slot Say
Arne Slot acknowledges that City are in good form and that winning will be a challenge. He also says that Liverpool are playing well, setting up a colossal clash.
“What I always expect from City since Pep is there: a great football team that can play so well,” Slot said. They've had maybe one or two months in the seven or eight years he's there now that weren't the best, maybe partly because of injuries as well. Injuries come back, they've signed three or four players, I can see them coming back already if you look at the result against Newcastle. So what you expect is what everybody expects if you go to the Etihad if you play against City. You have to suffer as well and work really hard to keep them away from your goal because they are so, so good in ball possession. But they face a strong team as well that hasn't lost for 22 games.
LFC Globe Verdict.
I have been looking forward to this match for a while. Not only will there be a pair of superstars on the pitch in Salah and Haaland (if he plays) but the Reds have a chance to sweep the defending champions and send a message to the rest of the league. As much as Salah vs. Haaland is key, the back line needs to play well to give Liverpool a chance to bring home all 3 points.
Where To Watch
Kickoff is set for 16:30 GMT and will air on Sky Sports. In the USA, fans can stream the action on Peacock.