Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is set to make a last-minute call on whether star player Erling Haaland features against Liverpool today.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference yesterday, the Spaniard shared an update on the 22-year-old, who has been a doubt for the game since withdrawing from international duty with Norway last week.
“Erling is recovering; last training session and we will see how he feels,” Guardiola said. “We will see this afternoon.”
Asked if concerns over Haaland’s fitness had changed his plans preparing for this game, the Cityzens boss replied: “No. The football is the quality of the players. When you play with the typical players that you need, the tactics and skills are for every player.
“Haaland has his skills and Julian (Alvarez) has his own skills. He can give us one thing, a false nine has other skills.
“We saw most of the players coming back from the international break yesterday and we couldn’t do much. We will see today the last assessment and we will decide.”
Haaland: A big threat for Liverpool
Depending on whether Haaland plays or not, Liverpool’s back-line will need to change their approach to the game.
Playing as an out-and-out striker who poaches goals, the Norway international has bagged 28 times in 26 Premier League matches this season.
Thus, if he is fit to play, Guardiola will set his system up around the forward.
However, if he fails to make the team, he will employ completely different tactics, making it ever so difficult for Jurgen Klopp’s side to prepare.
The Reds desperately need three points if they are to keep their dream of Champions League football alive.
Therefore, this will be easier if City are without their ‘world-class’ striker, as Liverpool have often been shaky at the back this season.
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