Manchester City head to Anfield on Sunday to go toe-to-toe with a Liverpool side that are bang in form.
On one hand, Pep Guardiola’s men latest outing was an uninspiring one as they surrendered their 3-0 lead against Feyenoord within 15 minutes to eventually draw the game 3-3 at the Etihad Stadium.
In their last six games in all competitions, Manchester City have lost five and drawn one.
However, Arne Slot has backed Pep Guardiola to come up with a tactical solution that enables Manchester City to turn their fortunes around.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 12 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 24 | 8 | 16 | 31 |
| 2 |  BrightonBrighton | 13 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 22 | 17 | 5 | 23 |
| 3 |  Man CityManchester City | 12 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 22 | 17 | 5 | 23 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea | 12 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 23 | 14 | 9 | 22 |
| 5 |  ArsenalArsenal | 12 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 12 | 9 | 22 |
| 6 |  TottenhamTottenham | 12 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 27 | 13 | 14 | 19 |
As far as Slot’s Liverpool side is concerned, they are the league leaders in both the Premier League and the Champions League, coming off the back of a dominant 2-0 victory against Real Madrid.
With Arne Slot confirming Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury status deeming him to be fit enough to start against City, the Reds look in brilliant shape ahead of the blockbuster clash.
For Manchester City to bridge the eight-point gap between themselves and Liverpool with a statement win not to be left behind in the title race, here are the five key battles they must come out on top in.
Josko Gvardiol vs Mohamed Salah
Pep Guardiola defended Josko Gvardiol in the aftermath of Manchester City’s shock draw against Feyenoord as the Croatian was culpable for two of the opposition’s goals on Tuesday.
Guardiola would especially have been aware that it is important for Gvardiol not to undergo a dip in confidence ahead of lining up to lock horns with arguably the most in-form winger in the world in Mohamed Salah.
| COMPETITION | GOALS | ASSISTS |
| PREMIER LEAGUE | 10 | 6 |
| CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | 1 | 4 |
| CARABAO CUP | 0 | 0 |
Salah has an incredible record against Manchester City, scoring 11 and assisting seven goals in 21 appearances in all competitions — proving to be a thorn in their side on several instances.
Gvardiol, who has established himself as the Sky Blues’ starting left-back this season could be expected to start once again and he will have a massive task on his hands to keep Liverpool’s talisman quiet.
If the former RB Leizpig defender manages to tame Salah’s influence on proceedings, Manchester City could be in the driving seat to seal a result at the very least.
Erling Haaland vs Virgil van Dijk
All eyes will be on Erling Haaland to deliver when City are seemingly looking for a saviour against this high-flying Liverpool side to stay right in the mix to win the title.
Barring in Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against the Merseyside-based giants last season, he is yet to score a league goal against them in four league outings.
One of the reasons why is the case is due to the presence of Virgil van Dijk, who has marshalled him in world-class fashion time and again.
Once again this season, the Dutchman has made a case to not only be the best centre-back in the Premier League but across world football.
As Van Dijk will likely be handed a man-marking job on Haaland, the Norwegian striker must be at his clinical best to punish him and Liverpool.
In the event that the 24-year-old has yet another quiet game against Liverpool, an unfancied Manchester City side could find it virtually impossible to defeat Arne Slot and Co on the day.
Van Dijk lauded Haaland as one of his toughest-ever opponents in April this year and the latter must showcase why that is the case in front of a fired-up Anfield crowd.
Phil Foden vs Ryan Gravenberch
So far, Phil Foden is yet to replicate the magnificence he displayed last season as he went on to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
For Foden to return to his brilliant best, the challenge on his hands will be to bypass the in-form Ryan Gravenberch in defensive midfield.
The Englishman will be aware that of the tough test that the former Ajax technician poses due to his imposing physicality and incredible defensive nous.
Foden will have to find a way to ghost in the spaces Gravenberch leaves in order to wreak havoc in the final third for Manchester City against Liverpool.
Whether the Stockport-born maestro rises to the occasion is the question now.
With Kevin De Bruyne coming off the bench against Feyenoord, the Belgian could perhaps be handed another appearance as an impact substitute with Foden expected to run the show as City’s attacking midfielder.
Savinho vs Andy Robertson
A case could be made that Andy Robertson has been Liverpool’s sole weak link this campaign.
The Scottish international has struggled against wingers such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Bukayo Saka and Tyler Dibling this season, who have all managed to run rings around him.
Savinho, who possesses similarly quick feet, flair and bags of pace like the aforementioned wide forwards could be given the chance to test a potentially declining Robertson at left-back.
The Brazilian will likely be up for the challenge, starting in arguably the most high-profile fixture of his career.
Savinho could announce himself to the world as a talent to be feared if he makes life hell for one of the best left-backs in the world in one of the biggest games in European football.
Kyle Walker vs Luis Diaz
With Kyle Walker rested against Feyenoord, he could be in line to start against Liverpool.
If Pep Guardiola decides to opt for Walker at right-back, he could tasked with the daunting task of limiting Luis Diaz’s influence on the contest.
When Manchester City and Liverpool drew 1-1 at Anfield last season, Diaz often gave him the runaround.
With the 34-year-old being out of form so far this campaign, the Colombian could emerge as the hosts’ X-factor if he gives the veteran a tough time.
Walker’s experience of playing against the best of the best in such a massive game are factors that Guardiola would be hoping count in his favour against a tricky customer.
With Diaz scoring eight goals in the Premier League and Champions League this season, his finishing has undergone a significant improvement this season.
As a result, Walker cannot afford to give the former Porto winger a day to remember as he could terrorise Manchester City and cement himself as a hero in front of the Kop.
If the six-time Premier League winner pockets Diaz, he could remind his detractors why he remains one of the best right-backs in Europe.
