Manchester City face a pivotal test this Sunday as they travel to Anfield to take on Premier League leaders Liverpool, aiming to halt their alarming slump and revive their title hopes.
The reigning champions, winners of the last four consecutive league titles, have often shown resilience under Pep Guardiola. However, they now find themselves in unfamiliar territory following a six-match winless streak across all competitions (0-5-1), including three successive league defeats. Currently sitting second on the table with 23 points (7-3-2), City risk falling further behind Liverpool, who have surged to 31 points (10-1-1).
City’s struggles have been compounded by injuries to key players, including Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, sidelined for the season with an ACL injury. Defensive frailties have plagued the team, with Guardiola’s side conceding at least twice in every match during their current winless run. Their woes were epitomized in Wednesday’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League, where they squandered a three-goal lead in the final 15 minutes.
Despite the mounting pressure, Guardiola is urging his team to focus on small steps rather than the bigger picture:
“To succeed is how many times you stand up again, again, and again after falling. In the situation we have, it’s not realistic to think of big targets. We think one game at a time to build momentum,” Guardiola said.
City could be bolstered by the return of defender Ruben Dias, who was on the bench against Feyenoord following a calf injury, and winger Jeremy Doku, who has resumed full training.
Meanwhile, Liverpool arrive in red-hot form under first-year manager Arne Slot. The Reds are unbeaten in their last 15 matches across all competitions, winning 14 and drawing one. Their most recent triumph, a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League, featured goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, despite a rare penalty miss from Mohamed Salah.
The 32-year-old Salah has silenced concerns about aging with a remarkable start to the league season, tallying 10 goals and seven assists. Slot, however, remains wary of City’s capabilities despite their recent struggles.
“They are still a very, very good team. One of the reasons why Pep Guardiola is the best manager in the world is that he always finds solutions to his problems,” Slot remarked.
With massive implications for the title race, Sunday’s clash promises to be a high-stakes battle between two Premier League heavyweights. Will City rediscover their form, or will Liverpool continue their dominant run? All eyes will be on Anfield.
