Liverpool must win at Man City to prove they're contenders

In their previous encounter in the Premier League, Manchester City emerged victorious with a convincing 4-1 win, paving the way for them to secure the league title.

Is Liverpool prepared to reclaim the Premier League title they secured with an 18-point lead during the challenging times of COVID-19 in 2020? The upcoming clash against league leaders Manchester City on Saturday is the crucial examination to determine if they are genuine contenders or mere pretenders.

Liverpool Mark 2.0

Jurgen Klopp's renowned "mentality monsters" faced a setback last season, finishing fifth. However, the current squad, labeled by the manager as "Liverpool Mark 2.0," has undergone a significant overhaul and emerged as a formidable force, consistently scoring in every match this season. Following City's exhilarating 4-4 draw at Chelsea, Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Brentford brought them within a single point of the top spot, marking their closest proximity all season and igniting excitement among Merseyside supporters.

The recent spectacle at Stamford Bridge emphasized City's susceptibility despite their class and air of invincibility. It highlighted that bold and skillful opposition teams, like Wolves in September, could exploit vulnerabilities. Wolves secured a surprise 2-1 victory by congesting the half-spaces and capitalizing on fast breaks led by Pedro Neto and Matheus Cunha. Could this strategy serve as a blueprint for Liverpool? Additionally, Arsenal managed to defeat the European champions, albeit in a closely contested match where City appeared unusually ineffective.

Liverpool squad

The current Liverpool squad differs from the title-winning team, relying less on the prolific raids and deliveries from fullbacks Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. The fabled trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mané remains integral but operates in a distinct manner within this evolved Liverpool setup.

The argument could be made that the transformed midfield under Klopp has added intelligence, creativity, and craftiness to the team, reducing dependence on the swift raids of the fullbacks. However, it raises questions about whether the new midfield provides the same defensive cover for the back four, which seems unlikely.

Mac Allister, often tasked with the No. 6 holding role, faces a potential dilemma, having transitioned from a more advanced position in his career. Considering his recent involvement in the Brazil vs. Argentina clash and the quick turnaround for the Etihad assignment, he might find himself on the bench. Endo, a natural defensive midfielder, could be assigned the crucial role of safeguarding the back four.

Liverpool's goalkeeper

Both Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson and City's Julián Álvarez are rushing back from the high-profile South American clash. With 28 players from both squads involved in international duty, the 12:30 pm Saturday kickoff poses challenges for both managers in terms of player readiness. Selections may be influenced by who is deemed fit and sufficiently rested. While Haaland and Éderson missed recent international games due to injuries, it wouldn't be surprising if they are declared fit for this pivotal match. (Rodri, initially believed to be injured, did feature in Spain's second game during the break.)

Liverpool faces a significant challenge in proving their credentials by accomplishing what no other team has at the Etihad this year—avoiding defeat. City boasts an impressive record of 23 consecutive home victories since Everton secured a valuable point on New Year's Eve.

The upcoming match has evolved into a significant and intense encounter. Liverpool's last away victory against City in the Premier League dates back to a 4-1 win in 2015, just a month after Klopp took charge. Martin Skrtel scored in that match, and City, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, featured players like Samir Nasri and Jesús Navas.

Liverpool league

The subsequent City vs. Liverpool league games at the Etihad have produced results (with City scoring first) of 5-0, 1-1, 2-1, 4-0, 1-1, 2-1, and a 4-1 outcome last season. While one can argue that past results don't dictate future outcomes, these stats emphasize the difficulty of securing an away win against Manchester City. Brentford achieved this recently by bypassing the City press with long balls and capitalizing on two goals from Ivan Toney.

Klopp recognizes the need for improvement in Liverpool's away performances, as their recent trip to Luton showcased vulnerabilities saved by a late Luis Diaz equalizer. The defence also appeared shaky in the 2-2 draw at Brighton. The crucial question arises: Can this new Liverpool side demonstrate resilience against City's formidable attacking threat at home, or will they find openings in the City defence, akin to Chelsea's success a fortnight ago?

Answers to these questions

The answers to these questions will provide insights into whether "Liverpool Mark 2" can replicate the achievements of their original stars.