Can Manchester City Overcome Their Struggles Against Liverpool This Sunday

Liverpool: Manchester City is gearing up for a tough match against Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday. They are looking to end a six-match winless streak in all competitions. Martin Keown pointed out in his article that City needs to focus on stopping Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. Van Dijk is known for his long passes to Mohamed Salah, which have been very effective for Liverpool.

Keown noted that van Dijk took advantage of Real Madrid’s defense recently, making them look weak. His accurate passing allows him to bypass the midfield and connect directly with Salah, who excels in one-on-one situations. Guardiola will need to come up with a plan to cut off this dangerous connection.

Another interesting point is Liverpool’s midfield. Keown praised Ryan Gravenberch, who has become a key player for Liverpool. He plays a crucial role at the base of the midfield, combining strength with great ball control. City has missed this kind of presence while Rodri has been out.

Alongside Gravenberch are Curtis Jones, who is playing the best football of his young career, and Alexis Mac Allister, who adds creativity and energy to the midfield. Together, they form a strong trio that can control the game. For City to regain their form, they must disrupt this balance and force Liverpool to change their game.

Keown also highlighted City’s defensive issues, noting that they have conceded at least two goals in six straight matches, a record not seen since 1963. Guardiola, known for his careful planning, must be frustrated by this statistic, especially since City is eight points behind Liverpool in the Premier League.

Mistakes from usually reliable players like Ederson have made things worse. His errors were clear in the recent 3-3 draw against Feyenoord, where City lost a strong lead. Keown believes that key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, and Kyle Walker need to step up and provide the leadership needed to stabilize the team.

To counter Liverpool’s aggressive style, Keown suggests that City should play more boldly, pressing hard and focusing on keeping possession. He recommends using Bernardo Silva in a deeper position, as he can control the game well. This fits with Guardiola’s Total Football approach, which requires teamwork and flexibility from the players.

Keown’s thoughts on Guardiola are interesting: “Managers learn more about their players when they are losing rather than when they are winning.” This match is not just about breaking a bad streak; it’s a chance for Guardiola to motivate his team, rebuild their confidence, and reignite their title hopes.

Liverpool fans will be pleased with Keown’s praise of their team’s progress under Arne Slot. The Dutch coach has successfully built a team that balances strong defense with exciting attack. Fans are not surprised to see van Dijk highlighted as a key player, as his ability to control the game has been vital to Liverpool’s success this season.

Gravenberch’s emergence has also excited fans, showcasing Liverpool’s smart recruitment under Slot. He brings qualities that fans felt were missing, such as calmness, vision, and defensive support. His partnership with Jones and Mac Allister looks promising for the future.

On the flip side, City’s weaknesses add extra excitement to this match. Liverpool fans are eager to take advantage of City’s shaky defense, especially with Salah in great form. While Guardiola is a top coach, Liverpool’s intensity at Anfield could be too much for a City team struggling with confidence. For Liverpool supporters, this match is about more than just three points; it’s about asserting their dominance over a rival and moving closer to Premier League success.
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