THE 4-1 win over Newcastle United last week was a huge result for Liverpool.
Confidence has been in short supply on Merseyside of late, and the victory provided a much‑needed lift.
City’s in-form duo Semenyo (left) and Omar Marmoush likely to cause havoc against Liverpool tomorrow. — AFP
After failing to win any of their previous five Premier League matches, Liverpool will hope that result sparks a sustained run of good form.
With the title now seemingly out of reach, the priority is to finish as high as possible and secure Champions League qualification.
Performance‑wise, the match at St James’ Park was among Liverpool’s better showings this season, and by some way, with Arne Slot’s side once again coming from behind to claim all three points.
The first 35 minutes were undeniably edgy and nerve‑racking, culminating in Anthony Gordon opening the scoring for Newcastle.
But a quick‑fire Hugo Ekitike brace just before half‑time stunned the hosts, and from there Liverpool settled into the game.
The club’s new signings now appear far more integrated, combining well with the established core.
The biggest relief is seeing big-money signing Florian Wirtz finally showing what he is really capable of.
He has formed a potent partnership with Ekitike in recent matches across all competitions, with the pair assisting each other several times.
Individually, Ekitike has 10 league goals and two assists, while Wirtz has four goals and three assists.
Both are expected to lead the line again when Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield in the late game tomorrow.
The same starting XI that faced Newcastle is likely to be retained.
Given Liverpool’s defensive injury problems, Dominik Szoboszlai – despite being more effective in midfield – will again have to fill in at right‑back for the good of the team.
His energy will be crucial in dealing with City’s attackers.
City sit six points behind leaders Arsenal and remain dark horses in the title race, though their erratic league form has left Pep Guardiola searching for answers.
Holding a healthy 2-0 lead over Tottenham last week, City’s defence collapsed and allowed Spurs to level.
They may also feel aggrieved by Dominic Solanke’s first goal, with the forward appearing to kick Marc Guehi’s leg before the ball crossed the line.
Ultimately, the failure to find a winner proved costly.
Guehi, who came close to joining Liverpool last year before the deal collapsed at the 11th hour, should be fired up after the events at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov are likely to form the central defensive pairing, with Josko Gvardiol and John Stones injured and Ruben Dias a doubt.
Guardiola will also be without Jeremy Doku, Savinho and Mateo Kovacic.
Antoine Semenyo, another former Liverpool target, is expected to keep his place in the starting line‑up alongside Erling Haaland in attack.
Liverpool, on 39 points, know they cannot afford complacency.
A win against City is essential in their push for Champions League qualification.
Depending on how English clubs fare in Europe – the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League – fifth place could yet secure a spot in Europe’s top competition, so there is still plenty to play for.
Despite their defensive frailties, City remain a formidable side.
Slot can no longer afford to be overly cautious; he must exploit City’s vulnerabilities and ensure Liverpool do not lose further ground by playing on the back foot.
After knocking Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup in midweek with a 1-0 win and a 4-2 aggregate score, Arsenal have turned their attention back to the title race.
Mikel Arteta’s side stuttered last month, dropping points against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Manchester United, before convincingly beating Leeds United 4-0 last week.
The Gunners now face this season’s surprise package, Sunderland, at the Emirates today.
The Black Cats, under head coach Regis Le Bris, have impressed in spells, taking points off Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham.
However, inconsistency remains an issue, and they have even lost to relegation-threatened West Ham United.
Another concern for Sunderland is their poor away form.
They have succumbed to seven defeats and only two wins in 12 matches.
That record makes Arsenal strong favourites to take all three points. Failure to do so could spell trouble for them.
