Liverpool will pose a significant challenge for Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad | OneFootball

Manchester City take on Liverpool on Sunday in a crucial Premier League fixture for both teams at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola’s side come into the game off the back of a 3-1 drubbing at the hands of Real Madrid on Wednesday evening. Liverpool drew 2-all with Aston Villa on the same night. The scene is set for a tough fixture for Pep Guardiola’s side. Although Liverpool aren’t at the level they were earlier this season, they will pose a significant test for Manchester City.

Arne Slot’s side have raced clear at the top of the Premier League table this season. Under Slot, they are a different entity from what they were under Jurgen Klopp. Under Klopp, the Premier League leaders were an all-action outfit that posed Manchester City significant problems throughout Klopp’s reign. This season, they have the same parts, but Slot has moulded them into a different beast entirely. There’s a poise in possession to Liverpool’s play now and they do have the ability to dictate matches against sides like City. We have seen that all season long from the Premier League leaders.

READ MORE: Which Manchester City turn up at the Etihad could dictate Sunday’s result.

Up front Mo Salah does loom over Sunday’s match. The Egyptian international has been superb this season for Liverpool. In 37 appearances in all competitions, he’s scored 29 goals and added 20 assists. He has also tormented Manchester City in season’s past. Salah has the potential to do so again on Sunday. Across midfield, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis MacAlister, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai could control Sunday’s fixture against City’s ageing midfield. Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool’s defensive rock and with Trent Alexander-Arnold bombing forward from right-back Arne Slot’s side has the pieces to lose significant issues for Manchester City.

A tough test awaits Manchester City at the Etihad against Liverpool. You don’t sit 8 points clear at the top of the table if you aren’t a quality outfit. But looking at Liverpool you do feel that they are built to get at Manchester City’s weaknesses at the Etihad. How Pep Guardiola’s side handles that could go a long way in deciding Sunday’s fixture.