Man City vs Liverpool: Haaland eyes 100th goal in Guardiola's 1,000th game

The Premier League trophy symbolises the title race at stake in Sunday's crucial fixture (Symbolic image - AI generated) Upday Stock Images

Manchester City hosts Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a Premier League clash that could reshape the title race. Arsenal currently leads Liverpool by eight points and Manchester City by seven points (with City having played one match more), making this 4:30 PM GMT kick-off critical for both teams' championship aspirations.

The match also marks a historic milestone: Pep Guardiola's 1,000th game in management.

Liverpool faces a daunting task at a venue where they have won just twice in the past decade. Yet the Reds arrive with momentum after back-to-back victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, having not lost to City since spring 2023. In pre-match comments, manager Arne Slot acknowledged the challenge ahead: "Playing away from home against them is one of the most difficult challenges we have throughout the season."

Haaland in Peak Form

Erling Haaland presents Liverpool's most immediate threat. The Norwegian striker has scored 27 goals in 17 appearances this season across all competitions and sits just two goals short of his 100th Premier League strike. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Haaland expressed confidence in his current form: "It's been a good start and I feel really good. I feel this is the best version of myself. I've never felt better than now."

The striker credited intense competition with Liverpool for pushing both clubs to improve: "The competition between Man City and Liverpool has been amazing in previous years - pushing each other to get better and fighting for the title."

Team News and Tactical Battle

Manchester City will likely be without midfielder Rodri, who remains a fitness doubt before the international break. Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has returned to training after a three-week groin injury absence, but Slot warned he will need time to regain match sharpness. Hugo Ekitike will likely lead Liverpool's attack instead.

In pre-match comments, Guardiola tempered expectations about the title race's current state: "Nobody wins the title in early November." Yet he acknowledged Liverpool's recent resurgence after their earlier struggles, noting how quickly perceptions shift in football.

Sky Sports will broadcast the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 4:00 PM GMT. Both clubs know victory could prove pivotal as they attempt to close the gap on Arsenal before the November international break.

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).