Haaland could pose a huge threat to Liverpool if he plays. — AP
DESPITE all the upheavals of the past few months, particularly those which have seen his title-winning side crumble unlike anything before in his career, Pep Guardiola will not be disillusioned by the task that awaits his team tomorrow.
Manchester City face the prospect of a second hiding this week, following their exit from the Champions League, orchestrated by Real Madrid.
Guardiola has conceded more than once in recent weeks that they are in a dark place and are finding it difficult to emerge from.
This is in stark contrast to the club’s fortunes that saw them bask in glory as they won four league titles in a row last season, and dominated the English game for the best part of a decade and a half.
The 3-1 beating at the hands of Real in Madrid, which ensured a 6-3 aggregate win for the defending champions, will be fresh in the memory when Liverpool visit, hoping to maintain their lead at the top of the Premiership.
Presently, the Reds are eight points ahead of Arsenal, who play today and could reduce that cushion somewhat.
But if City are to thwart Liverpool’s advances and consolidate their top four standing, they will need to exercise more caution in defence and hope that Norwegian Erling Haaland plays and gets among the goals.
The striker is a carrying a knee injury he picked up in the Newcastle game.
Regardless of how Guardiola approaches this fixture, the Citizens face what should be a difficult encounter.
They might well count themselves fortunate to salvage a draw or better in the late game tomorrow, albeit in their own backyard.
