Following Containing Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Resurgent Liverpool Focus On Haaland

Liverpool's manager requested a repeat of the team's showing against Real Madrid when the title holders visit Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing another of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen Slot's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was in form. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. This supported his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a back four.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has established himself as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.