Manchester City play host to Liverpool in the Premier League this afternoon.
The game at The Etihad is a hugely important one for both Manchester City and Liverpool, but for very different reasons.
Liverpool need a win in order to stamp their authority at the top of the Premier League table, whilst Man City are in the midst of a dog-fight in the race to finish inside the top four.
Pep Guardiola is really feeling the pressure right now, and the Man City manager needs a big result against Liverpool
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It was actually sensationally claimed on Saturday that Pep’s job at City is currently under threat.
Whilst that might not be the case yet, he simply has to get his team qualified for the Champions League next season, whatever else happens.
Guardiola is said to be plotting a big summer rebuild at The Etihad.
However, in the here and now, he needs to be focused entirely on getting the best out of the players he currently has at his disposal.
The clash with Liverpool will obviously be an extremely difficult one.
Arne Slot’s side have been the best team in the Premier League this season, by a long way.
However, City haven’t lost to the Reds at The Etihad in the Premier League since way back in 2015.
Despite Man City’s poor form, teams will always struggle to go to The Etihad and get all three points.
The side Pep selects, and the tactics he deploys, for the Liverpool game will be under real scrutiny after Wednesday’s disaster-class in Madrid.
And it seems like the Spanaird could be set to spring a big surprise with his lineup this afternoon.
Manchester City hint that Jeremy Doku could start vs Liverpool
Man City’s official X account posted a message before the huge game this afternoon.
And it seems like Jeremy Doku could be set for his first start in more than a month:
Would they have included a picture of Doku if he wasn’t starting the game? I really doubt it.
Doku’s last start came against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on January 19th.
And if Pep does decide to go with the Belgium international from the start against Liverpool, it will be a sure sign that the Man City man is keen to inject some real pace into his front-line.
City signed the 22-year-old from Rennes in the summer of 2023 for an initial £45 million (ESPN).
However, he has flattered to deceive on the most part during his time at The Etihad.
That said, it’s worth remembering that he has bagged 12 goals and 15 assists in 66 games for Man City (Transfermarkt) – a more than decent return for someone so young.
Doku to lead the charge for Man City vs Liverpool
After joining Man City, Doku shared how Guardiola has made it very clear to him just how much he believes in his ability.
One thing he does offer City is blistering speed and ingenuity on the left hand flank.
Manchester City need every single player to be on top of their games against Liverpool, and it seems like Jeremy Doku may well be handed a huge chance to impress.
One thing Liverpool struggle with is direct, fast running in transition. And whilst Man City are not a team that plays in transition, that may well be needed today in order to get a result against the Reds.
The Man City fans will be awaiting the announcements of the team-sheets at 3:15 with bated breath.
