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Manchester City condemn Liverpool bus ‘damage’ and will support police investigation
Manchester City have condemned an alleged attack on Liverpool’s team bus on its return journey following a 4-1 Premier League defeat at the Etihad on Saturday.
A brick was allegedly thrown towards the Liverpool coach that caused a window to crack. No-one is thought to have been injured on board.
Manchester City issued a statement saying they would “fully support Greater Manchester Police’s investigation”.
The statement read: “Manchester City FC has been made aware that Liverpool FC’s coach sustained damage on its return journey following today’s game.
“We understand an object was thrown towards the coach in a residential area. Incidents of this kind are totally unacceptable, and we strongly condemn the actions of the individual(s) responsible.
“We will fully support Greater Manchester Police’s investigation into this incident in any way we can.”
Liverpool will also support any investigation into the alleged incident.
The Athletic has contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment.
City had earlier condemned “inappropriate chants from home fans” during the victory over Jurgen Klopp’s side.
A section of supporters were heard calling Liverpool fans “victims” in the first half of the game in response to travelling appeals for Rodri to receive a second yellow card.
A City statement shortly after the full-time whistle read: “Manchester City are disappointed to have heard inappropriate chants from home fans during today’s game.
“We regret any offence these chants may have caused and will continue to work with supporters groups and officials from both clubs to eradicate hateful chanting from this fixture.”
Senior Anfield officials were “sickened” that vile chanting once again blighted this fixture and welcomed City’s condemnation. The Premier League also condemned the chanting heard.
Several incidents involving both sets of supporters have marred the fixture in recent seasons.
The clubs released a joint statement condemning crowd trouble in the Carabao Cup tie and Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan personally apologised to the family of a 15-year-old Manchester City fan who was injured when she was hit by a plastic glass weighted by coins thrown from the away section during that game.
After a Premier League fixture at Anfield in October, City alleged to the police that their bus had been attacked, and that coins had been thrown at manager Pep Guardiola. Liverpool accused visiting fans of singing chants about the Hillsborough disaster, as well as causing damage to facilities in the away end.
(Photo: Getty Images)
Manchester City, Premier League condemn offensive chanting from supporters against Liverpool
Manchester City have condemned “inappropriate chants from home fans” during Saturday’s 4-1 Premier League win over Liverpool.
A section of supporters were heard calling Liverpool fans “victims” in the first half of the game at the Etihad in response to travelling appeals for Rodri to receive a second yellow card.
A City statement shortly after the full-time whistle read: “Manchester City are disappointed to have heard inappropriate chants from home fans during today’s game.
“We regret any offence these chants may have caused and will continue to work with supporters groups and officials from both clubs to eradicate hateful chanting from this fixture.”
Senior Anfield officials were “sickened” that vile chanting once again blighted this fixture and welcomed City’s condemnation.
The Premier League said in a statement: “The Premier League condemns the chanting heard during today’s match between Manchester City and Liverpool. The League is treating the issue of tragedy chanting as a priority and as a matter of urgency.”
Some City fans were heard singing offensive chants about the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which led to 97 football fans losing their lives, during the reverse Premier League fixture at Anfield in October.
The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance contacted City, asking them to make a public statement condemning the songs.
City did not publish their response publicly but — as The Athletic reported — apologised in a private reply and said that they would “contact all of our season ticket and matchday members to reiterate that this type of hateful chanting and singing has no place in the game.”
Several incidents involving both sets of supporters have marred the fixture in recent seasons.
The clubs released a joint statement condemning crowd trouble in the Carabao Cup tie and Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan personally apologised to the family of a 15-year-old Manchester City fan who was injured when she was hit by a plastic glass weighted by coins thrown from the away section during that game.
After a Premier League fixture at Anfield in October, City alleged to the police that their bus had been attacked, and that coins had been thrown at manager Pep Guardiola. Liverpool accused visiting fans of singing chants about the Hillsborough disaster, as well as causing damage to facilities in the away end.
Saturday’s game at the Etihad finished 4-1 as City came from a goal down to ease to victory.
Mohamed Salah had opened the scoring but Julian Alvarez hit back, before second-half goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish.
GO DEEPER
Liverpool and Manchester City: A modern, spiteful feud fuelled by PR
(Photo: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp: ‘Passive’ Liverpool lucky Manchester City weren’t ‘greedier’
Jurgen Klopp bemoaned his “passive” Liverpool side after a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City — and admitted they were lucky that Pep Guardiola’s men were not “greedier”.
Mohamed Salah had scored an early opener at the Etihad, but City — without the injured Erling Haaland — hit back before the break through Julian Alvarez, and then took command with second-half goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish.
Klopp admitted City were able to do “whatever they wanted” after two goals in seven second-half minutes effectively ended the contest.
He told BT Sport: “I think we saw a first half which you Could expect: a dominant City side with us well organised, having our moments. We caused problems and scored a wonderful goal and had another big counter-attacking moment. where we could have played it better.
“At 1-1 at half-time, it’s clear, you can show the boys what we have to do and where we have to defend them. The key areas are clear; if you don’t control the double (No) 6, you have a real problem if you don’t control the double (No) 10. Then it’s pretty much impossible to play because the pitch becomes too big. We concede the first goal — an open ball in midfield where we don’t even have a challenge — then outside we are too deep and the counter-attack happens.
“If you are too deep, too passive then they use that immediately — 2-1, 3-1. (At) 3-1, we have a massive overload on one side. We should win the ball but don’t even have the challenge. These kinds of things absolutely cannot happen, but they happened.
“After that, we were just open, like, wow. They could do whatever they wanted and we just had to follow. We were lucky they weren’t in the most greedy mood. They scored a fourth one but then they were happy. Apart from that, there is nothing good to say about this game.”
Asked if he thought City midfielder Rodri should have received a second yellow card, a rueful Klopp said: “Yeah, probably. He will not get it now. I am not sure we would have won today against 10 men, to be honest.”
GO DEEPER
Manchester City 4 Liverpool 1: Grealish goes up a gear, Alvarez stars, Klopp needs signings
(Photo: Getty Images)
LIVE: Man City vs. Liverpool – Follow the Reds’ Premier League match here
Liverpool make the short trip down the M62 to face Man City as they look for three points in the race for top four. We’re live to bring you the latest.
Kickoff at the Etihad is 12.30pm (UK), the referee is Simon Hooper.
Today’s blog is run by Sam Millne, get involved by Tweeting @thisisanfield, @sam_millne & in the comments below.
TeamsMan City: Ederson; Akanji, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Grealish, Alvarez
Subs: Ortega, Laporte, Walker, Gomez, Lewis, Phillips, Perrone, Palmer, Bernardo
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Elliott; Salah, Jota, Gakpo
Subs: Kelleher, Matip, Gomez, Tsimikas, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arthur, Firmino, Nunez
Our coverage updates automatically below:
Confirmed Liverpool lineup vs. Man City: Jota starts, no Haaland for City
Jurgen Klopp has made two changes to his starting lineup after a 16-day break, with Diogo Jota among the starters for today’s trip to Man City.
The Reds have not been in action since their 1-0 defeat at Real Madrid in mid-March, with fixture postponement and internationals leading to a long gap in games.
However, today brings the first of three crucial games in nine days, with Man City the opponents at the Etihad.
Alisson was one of those to have taken advantage of the extended break, and starts behind a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.
At the base of the midfield starts Fabinho, joined by Jordan Henderson and Harvey Elliott.
Jota is perhaps a surprise starter, with the Portuguese taking a place in the forward line alongside Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
There is no place in the squad yet for Luis Diaz, despite his return to training, but the likes of Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino are on the bench.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland misses out for Man City due to an ongoing groin injury.
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Elliott; Salah, Jota, Gakpo
Substitutes: Kelleher, Matip, Gomez, Tsimikas, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arthur, Firmino, Nunez
Man City: Ederson; Akanji, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Grealish, Alvarez
Substitutes: Ortega, Laporte, Walker, Gomez, Lewis, Phillips, Perrone, Palmer, Bernardo
Erling Haaland misses Manchester City vs Liverpool after injury
Erling Haaland will miss Manchester City’s showdown with Liverpool through injury.
Haaland was doubtful for the Saturday lunchtime fixture after suffering groin pain following the FA Cup quarter-final win over Burnley before the international break.
City manager Pep Guardiola said the Norway international — who has scored 28 goals in 26 Premier League appearances for City so far this season — would be assessed following Friday afternoon’s training session.
But Haaland did not get off the City bus with his team-mates and was not included in the squad, with Julian Alvarez taking his place up front.
Guardiola, speaking to BT Sport before the game, said Haaland was “much, much better” but not yet ready to play.
City were already without Phil Foden, who is set to be sidelined for up to three weeks after undergoing surgery to remove his appendix.
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez has recovered from a cut ankle that required stitches and forced him to withdraw from Uruguay duty — but only starts on the bench as Diogo Jota gets the nod.
Manchester City can temporarily move to within five points of current leaders Arsenal — who have played a game more — with victory. Arsenal host Leeds United in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday.
Liverpool are looking to bounce back from defeat at Bournemouth before the international break and maintain the pressure on Newcastle and Tottenham above them in the race for Champions League football.
Jurgen Klopp’s side won the reverse fixture 1-0 at Anfield in October.
Manchester City vs Liverpool team newsMan City XI: Ederson; Stones, Akanji, Dias, Ake; Rodri; De Bruyne, Gundogan; Mahrez, Alvarez, Grealish.
Subs: Ortega, Walker, Phillips, Laporte, Silva, Gomez, Perrone, Palmer, Lewis.
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Elliott, Gakpo, Jota, Salah.
Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Milner, Firmino, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tsimikas, Nunez, Arthur, Matip.
(Photo: Getty Images)
LFC Globe
This article (Match Preview: Refreshed Reds Ready For Trip To City) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/match-preview-refreshed-reds-ready-for-trip-to-city/feed/ 0 Watch Jürgen Klopp's Pre-Match press conference vs. Manchester City https://lfcglobe.co.uk/watch-jurgen-klopps-pre-match-press-conference-vs-manchester-city/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/watch-jurgen-klopps-pre-match-press-conference-vs-manchester-city/#disqus_thread Sat, 01 Apr 2023 06:48:00 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=102882 Jürgen Klopp met with the media Friday ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Saturday afternoon. In the interview, the boss discussed how important 3 points would be for both sides, the positive impact of the international break on the club and how important the next 3 games are to Liverpool’s season. […]This article (Watch Jürgen Klopp's Pre-Match press conference vs. Manchester City) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/watch-jurgen-klopps-pre-match-press-conference-vs-manchester-city/feed/ 0 International Update: Salah scores, Robertson leads side to upset https://lfcglobe.co.uk/international-update-salah-scores-robertson-leads-side-to-upset/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/international-update-salah-scores-robertson-leads-side-to-upset/#disqus_thread Thu, 30 Mar 2023 18:21:40 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=102875 The International Window has closed, but that did not stop several Reds from having outstanding performances on the pitch on March 28th. Mohamed Salah unsurprisingly scored a goal in Egypt’s 4-0 win over Malawi in the African Cup of Nations while also providing an assist. Salah’s exploits helped Egypt climb to the top of Group […]This article (International Update: Salah scores, Robertson leads side to upset) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/international-update-salah-scores-robertson-leads-side-to-upset/feed/ 0 International Update: Keita scores to highlight strong performances among 12 players https://lfcglobe.co.uk/international-update-keita-scores-to-highlight-strong-performances-among-12-players/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/international-update-keita-scores-to-highlight-strong-performances-among-12-players/#disqus_thread Tue, 28 Mar 2023 22:54:46 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=102868 As 12 Reds prepare to return to the club ahead of their match with Manchester City on April 1st. Here is a look at how the Liverpool players who have seen the pitch have fared for their country. Naby Keita scored the opening goal in Guinea’s 3-2 win over Ethiopia in the African Cup of […]This article (International Update: Keita scores to highlight strong performances among 12 players) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/international-update-keita-scores-to-highlight-strong-performances-among-12-players/feed/ 0 12 Reds Selected for International Duty https://lfcglobe.co.uk/12-reds-selected-for-international-duty/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/12-reds-selected-for-international-duty/#disqus_thread Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:46:35 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=102858 There is no rest for the weary as a dozen Liverpool players were selected to represent their countries during the upcoming International Window March 20-28th Reds’ captain Jordan Henderson will suit up for the Three Lions as they begin qualifying for the European Championships under manager Gareth Southgate. The Three Lions visit Italy and host […]This article (12 Reds Selected for International Duty) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/12-reds-selected-for-international-duty/feed/ 0 Is Mohamed Salah the greatest Liverpool player in the Premier League era? https://lfcglobe.co.uk/is-mohamed-salah-the-greatest-liverpool-player-in-the-premier-league-era/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/is-mohamed-salah-the-greatest-liverpool-player-in-the-premier-league-era/#disqus_thread Sun, 19 Mar 2023 22:23:24 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=102849 Referred to as ‘The Egyptian King’ by Liverpool fans, Mohamed Salah is certainly going down in history as a Liverpool great. Whether he goes down as the greatest player in the club’s Premier League history is a different argument altogether. The Merseyside club have been blessed with a number of true greats since the Premier […]This article (Is Mohamed Salah the greatest Liverpool player in the Premier League era?) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/is-mohamed-salah-the-greatest-liverpool-player-in-the-premier-league-era/feed/ 0 Why should Liverpool buy Mason Mount? https://lfcglobe.co.uk/why-should-liverpool-buy-mason-mount/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/why-should-liverpool-buy-mason-mount/#disqus_thread Sun, 19 Mar 2023 19:59:41 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=102839 As far as I’m concerned, Liverpool’s midfield is in a state of emergency. With the likes of Naby Keïta, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Arthur Melo expected to leave in the summer, Liverpool are in desperate need of not only additions in the middle of the park but quality ones at that. Liverpool have been linked with […]This article (Why should Liverpool buy Mason Mount?) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/why-should-liverpool-buy-mason-mount/feed/ 0 What do Liverpool do with Caoimhin Kelleher? https://lfcglobe.co.uk/what-do-liverpool-do-with-caoimhin-kelleher/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/what-do-liverpool-do-with-caoimhin-kelleher/#disqus_thread Sun, 19 Mar 2023 17:47:10 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=102830 The 24-year-old goalkeeper is perhaps the best second-choice goalie in the league. However, I’m sure that’s not a label he wants. Caoimhin Kelleher is an incredibly talented goalkeeper but the fact of the matter is, he has the best goalkeeper in the world ahead of him, Alisson Becker. The Irishman has made just three appearances […]This article (What do Liverpool do with Caoimhin Kelleher?) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/what-do-liverpool-do-with-caoimhin-kelleher/feed/ 0 How well can Cody Gakpo perform in the false nine position? https://lfcglobe.co.uk/how-well-can-cody-gakpo-perform-in-the-false-nine-position/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/how-well-can-cody-gakpo-perform-in-the-false-nine-position/#disqus_thread Sat, 18 Mar 2023 10:46:00 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=102824 The signing of Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven in January certainly confused some fans. Not only was a midfielder more important to purchase, but a forward was arguably not needed. A player that specialises on the left but can also perform up top is a type of player that Liverpool have in abundance. The likes […]This article (How well can Cody Gakpo perform in the false nine position?) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/how-well-can-cody-gakpo-perform-in-the-false-nine-position/feed/ 0 Watch Jürgen Klopp's Post-Match press conference vs Real Madrid https://lfcglobe.co.uk/watch-jurgen-klopps-post-match-press-conference-vs-real-madrid-2/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/watch-jurgen-klopps-post-match-press-conference-vs-real-madrid-2/#disqus_thread Thu, 16 Mar 2023 14:06:13 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=102815 Jürgen Klopp met with the media following Liverpool’s Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid. The boss admitted he was not in a good mood after the match, something he rarely does, but he did take the time to compliment Real Madrid on their play, acknowledge the uphill battle Liverpool faced in the […]This article (Watch Jürgen Klopp's Post-Match press conference vs Real Madrid) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/watch-jurgen-klopps-post-match-press-conference-vs-real-madrid-2/feed/ 0Watch Man City vs. Liverpool – Live Online Streams and Worldwide TV Info
Liverpool finally return to competitive action this weekend with a visit to Premier League champions Man City. Here’s how to watch live online and on TV worldwide.
Saturday lunchtime at the Etihad presents the start of three tough fixtures in nine days for the Reds, with Chelsea and Arsenal soon to follow.
A positive result and performance would provide a huge boost to Liverpool’s hopes of a top-four finish heading towards the run-in and kick off the weekend in perfect style.
It is a big task given that Liverpool’s last league win at the Etihad came in 2015, but a win would be a major step in the right direction.
Up the Reds.
Check This Is Anfield for the latest team news ahead of the match.
You can also follow the game by downloading the This is Anfield app, including lineups, live coverage and all the reaction and analysis.
The match gets underway at 12.30pm (BST) – or 7.30am in New York, 4.30am in Los Angeles, 10.30pm in Sydney, 3.30pm in Dubai and 2.30pm in Nairobi.
UK ViewersMan City vs. Liverpool is being shown live on BT Sport 1 in the UK, which is available to live stream here.
This Is Anfield will also be providing live text commentary throughout on our website and full match reaction and analysis on the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android later.
Download free here.
US ViewersMan City vs. Liverpool is being shown live on Peacock in the US, which is available to live stream here.
This Is Anfield will also be providing live text commentary throughout on our website and full match reaction and analysis on the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android later.
Download free here.
Canada ViewersMan City vs. Liverpool is being shown live on the fubo Sports Network in Canada, which is available to live stream with FuboTV here.
This Is Anfield will also be providing live text commentary throughout on our website and full match reaction and analysis on the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android later.
Download free here.
WorldwideLive audio commentary of Man City vs. Liverpool and a full match replay and highlights will also be available on LFCTV GO here.
Check our Rest of the World TV guide below for a list of TV broadcasters showing the match live.
This Is Anfield will also be providing live text commentary throughout on our website and full match reaction and analysis on the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android later.
Download free here.
[embedded content]
[embedded content] Rest of the WorldSupporters can find Liverpool’s trip to the Etihad on the following channels worldwide:
beIN Sports English, beIN Sports Premium 1, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, TOD,SuperSport Premier League ROA, SuperSport MaXimo 2, DStv Now, SuperSport MaXimo 1, Csport.tv, star+, ESPN Argentina, Setanta Sports 1, Optus Sport, Sky Sport Top Event, Paramount+, Star Sports Select HD2, Moja TV, Arena Sport 1P, Astro Go, Diema Sport 2, Play Diema Xtra, fuboTV Canada, ESPN Chile, QQ Sports Live, Migu, iQiyi, Sky Sport NOW, Sky Sport Premier League, ESPN, Arena Sport 3 Croatia, Cytavision Sports 3, Cytavision on the Go, Canal+ Sport, Skylink, V Sport Ultra HD, Viaplay Denmark, TV3+ HD, beIN Sports English, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN Sports Premium 1, Viaplay Estonia, TV3+ HD, V Sport 2 Finland, V Sport Ultra HD, V Sport Premium, Elisa Viihde Viaplay, Canal+ Foot, WOW, Nova Sports Premier League, 620 Now Premier League TV, 621 Now Premier League 1, Now E, Now Player, Spíler1, TV2 Play, SíminnSport, Hotstar VIP, Star Sports Select 2, JioTV, Vidio, BT Sport App, BTSport.com, TalkSport Radio UK, BT Sport 1, NOW TV, SKY Go Italia, Sky Sport Football, Sky Sport Uno, SPOTV ON, Viaplay Latvia, iQiyi, Astro SuperSport 3, sooka, TSN2 Malta, GO TV Anywhere, Skynet Myanmar, Viaplay Netherlands, SuperSport Premier League Nigeria, Viaplay Norway, V Sport Ultra HD, V Sport Premier League, Viaplay Poland, Eleven Sports 1 Portugal, Prima Sport 1, Orange TV Go, Digi Sport 1 Romania, Orange Sport 1 Romania, Digi Online, Prima Play, 222 Hub Premier 2, 221 Hub Premier 1, StarHub TV+, Arena Sport 1 Premium, DStv App, SuperSport Premier League, DAZN, DAZN 2, Movistar+, Viaplay Sweden, V Sport Ultra HD, V Sport Premium, True Premier Football HD 1, True Premier Football HD 2, Setanta Sports Ukraine, TalkSport Radio UK, BT Sport Ultimate, BTSport.com, BT Sport 1, BT Sport App, SiriusXM FC, Peacock, VieON, K+ SPORT 1
You can follow all the action today and the whole of the 2022/23 season with us by downloading the This is Anfield app for iPhone and Android for free.
Match Centre: Manchester City v Liverpool - follow live updates
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Follow live and interactive coverage of Liverpool's Premier League visit to Manchester City in Match Centre.What Liverpool transfer plan could look like as Jürgen Klopp confirms 'talks' and makes promise
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp says that 'positive' talks have already taken place ahead of the summer as his side looks to improve in the transfer market — with the Reds boss clear about his plans.
Later asked specifically whether or not he had changed his mind on not wanting to spend more than £100m ($123m/€114m) on one player during the embargoed section of his press conference, Klopp sidestepped that question, though that will almost certainly be necessary if Liverpool wins the race for Jude Bellingham.
But Klopp was much more open about the Reds' intentions to spend in general in the summer transfer market, where Mason Mount and Matheus Nunes are also among the other targets being considered for a midfield revamp.
READ MORE: Liverpool has new $79m heir to Mohamed Salah title and Pep Guardiola shouldn't underestimate him
READ MORE: Liverpool could sign bargain $27m Fabinho successor as claim 'transfer talks' opened emerges
"We will spend in the summer, that's what I can say definitely," Klopp said. "The club will spend in the summer, definitely. For who and how many and stuff like this, there is nothing to say about, really."
In a further admission that changes are necessary, Klopp went on to outline that after being at the club since October 2015 — and having signed a new contract until the end of the 2025/26 season — this summer was always going to be one where big alterations were made.
"I am long enough in the business to know how these things develop," he explained. "It’s clear after a specific amount of time that you need to shuffle things and kind of start anew. That is completely normal.
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"It happens all the time; it’s just rare nowadays that it happens with the same manager because people realize when you sack a manager and bring in a new manager, things change and you readjust the squad.
"After seven years it was clear that we have to do it. Look, I don’t think in the last few years we ever were the best team in the league and we had to win — we were always performing to our level and sometimes punching above it.
"It is not that we win football games with 80 per cent — there’s no chance — the boys had to give their absolute all and they did, but it is clear there is a moment when you have to make changes."
Jürgen Klopp knows changes are needed at Liverpool this summer.
(Image: Photo by Pressinphoto / Icon Sport)
Despite there being question marks over the form of players like Fabinho and Joe Gomez, Klopp also insisted that he would take a bigger picture look at the squad when it is decided about changes and who is sold.
So what exactly will the Liverpool rebuild look like? Those out of contract — Naby Keïta, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Roberto Firmino — will lead the exodus, and others including Joël Matip and Caoimhín Kelleher would need replacing if they were to leave.
As a starting point, two midfielders — ideally Bellingham and one more — will be required, and potentially more if the Borussia Dortmund man is not acquired or more players than just those out of contract leave.
The only certainty at this stage for Liverpool is that at least a couple of midfielders will be bought to replace the bodies who are heading for the exit door. In terms of the other positions that need to be strengthened, much will depend on who departs — with a back-up goalkeeper, for example, only needing to be on the shopping list if Kelleher goes.
Match Centre: Manchester City v Liverpool - follow live updates
Your Premier League club’s best and worst kick-off times – and are early starts really so bad?
As if a trip to Manchester City today was not daunting enough for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp has another onerous challenge to overcome: the 12.30pm kick-off.
The early Saturday start time has turned into a hoodoo for Klopp’s players this season: in five games in that slot, they have not won any, drawing three and losing two.
It may sound trivial but kick-off times matter more than you might think. For one, footballers are superstitious types, and it is likely Liverpool’s squad will be aware of their record in 12.30pm matches. For supporters, too, they are significant: early starts, so the theory goes, often lead to flat atmospheres, and games can feel like an effort to watch.
In fact, the data suggests something rather different. Analysis of how many goals the various kick-off times deliver in games played over the last 10 years reveals that while the 4.30pm slot delivers, on average, the most goals (living up to the ‘Super Sunday’ billing it receives on Sky television in the United Kingdom), the 12.45pm slot is not far behind in second place.
Just as surprising is that all but one of the evening kick-off times (7.30pm, 7.45pm and 8pm) are among the lowest-scoring, counter to the perception that midweek games under floodlights deliver more excitement.
Managers are certainly no fans of them. Klopp has had a long-standing gripe with kicking off at 12.30pm on a Saturday after playing a game the previous Wednesday night (he labelled such schedules “really dangerous for the players” in 2020) while Mikel Arteta, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Frank Lampard have also been critical.
“That 12.30 slot, how much does it need to be there?” Lampard asked. “It’s absolutely not the optimum way to have players preparing for a Premier League game.”
Liverpool and City have been scheduled in the 12.30pm Saturday slot most frequently since it began in 2016 (previously the early Saturday game started at 12.45pm), with 34 and 32 matches respectively. And overall, both have strong records, as you might expect from teams of their pedigree: City average 2.38 points per game (PPG) while Liverpool win 1.77 PPG, the third-best record in the top flight.
But that is not to say that they are straightforward to prepare for. Early kick-offs change sleep patterns and meal times, leading to players having to confront some fairly unpalatable culinary choices.
Just have to say 12 o'clock kick off is no good for players. Trying to force pasta down at 9 in the morning is not nice.
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) October 29, 2011
Nutrition and hydration can be compromised unless preparation for the players has been effectively planned. For later matches, players can build up nutrition during the day but the early starts do not allow that, even if Premier League clubs’ catering options extend to more than making players eat pasta at 9am.
“Football teams are incredibly well resourced and sports science departments have improved so much, even in the past five years and it starts from the recovery nutrition straight after matches to give them optimum opportunity to start recovery as quickly as possible,” says Nigel Mitchell, a dietician and performance nutritionist working with the English Institute of Sport.
“Individuals recover at different speeds so things such as a few hours more sleep can make a huge difference because that can get you closer to optimum recovery.”
Mitchell feels that 12.30pm kick-off times should not be a huge issue when teams have a full week to prepare. Nutrition and hydration can also be compromised unless preparation for the players has been effectively planned.
Educating players so they can understand why changes in their routine will help is crucial. That can be through strategies such as moderating carbohydrate loading earlier in the week, eating and hydrating earlier in the day, or altering a player’s routine slightly, which can be as simple as going to bed and waking up earlier.
“You are trying to find the balance between when a player wakes up versus how important it is to get their pre-match meal in,” says Matt Lovell, owner of sports nutrition company AminoMan, and who has worked with players from Premier League clubs.
“The best thing for one player may be a lie-in and then a small snack when they wake up so the intake the day before would be crucial for them. On the flip side, an early riser, say 7am, can have a normal matchday breakfast and then a smaller pre-match snack.”
The significant issue arises during those midweek to Saturday turnarounds. Teams can travel back on the Wednesday night following the game, take part in a recovery session on Thursday, train normally on Friday and then travel again on the Friday evening for an early kick-off the following day.
“Playing at that time (12.30pm) is quite infrequent so the routine change will probably affect a player mentally and physically,” says sports medicine specialist and performance consultant David Clancy. “Something such as sleep will be impacted detrimentally and that is huge for performance.
“Players can sometimes not be in the same frame of mind for earlier kick-offs because they haven’t had as long to get mentally ready for the game.”
Every fanbase will no doubt have a fixture time that they prefer and another they believe is cursed, but what does the data reveal?
We went back as far as 2013-14 and, from a minimum of five games played at that time, worked out what each club’s best and worst points per game (PPG) average was from different kick-off times. Here are the basic results, all based on United Kingdom times:
It is important to factor in that games played at various times may favour teams and disadvantage others. For example, kick-off times attached to specific TV slots (12.45pm and 5.30pm on Saturday, 2pm and 4.30pm on Sunday) usually feature at least one Big Six team: their opponents, if from outside this elite group, would be expected to have a worse record at these times.
But let’s drill a little deeper. We will start with the 10 clubs who have been ever-present in the Premier League since 2013.
Arsenal’s frequent European involvement means their fixtures are more likely to be changed. Yet the old-school 3pm kick-off has seen them average 2.42 PPG, winning 53 from the 69 games they’ve been involved in. They are less successful in the latest possible kick-off, winning only 1.1 PPG from 8.15pm starts with only three victories from 10 matches.
Chelsea favour a later kick-off with a 2.43 PPG average coming in 7.30pm matches, with five wins from seven games. Chelsea are a regular in the 4.30pm Sunday slot because of European commitments and being a ‘top six’ club, but their record is so-so, with just seven wins from 22 matches and an average of 1.36 PPG.
Palace are less likely to be involved in fixture rearrangements, and naturally will have a lower points-per-game total as they have usually been in mid-table. Palace would have been sorry to see the 12.45pm start scrapped as they earned 1.5 PPG in those games, winning half of their six matches. In games starting just 45 minutes later, however, at 1.30pm, they have won one and drawn one of 11 games, averaging just 0.36 PPG.
Everton thrived in the lesser-spotted 6pm slot, which featured heavily during Project Restart, managing six wins and four draws from 11 games. They are a prime pick for the Saturday 5.30pm game, featuring 35 times, but they would probably rather not be given they have won just six of them and average less than a point per game (0.71).
Liverpool
You’ll never guess what Liverpool’s best kick-off time is. It’s not 12.30pm, but rather the earliest start-time of all — 12pm. They have only kicked off on five occasions at that time but they have won four of them, at 2.4 PPG. They are not so good at another quirky kick-off time, the 2.05pm slot: here, they have recorded three defeats in five and an average of only 0.8 PPG.
It is rare that a team has never lost at a certain time when playing more than a handful of times, but Manchester City will be wishing they had a few 6pm games to play as they look to claw back Arsenal in the title race. They have won all eight, scoring 23 goals and conceding three. Like Chelsea, 4.30pm is City’s weakest start time although, having been the best team over the last 10 seasons, they still average 1.61 PPG from 28 matches.
City’s neighbours are unbeaten in 2.05pm kick-offs, five wins and three draws at 2.25 PPG. As they prepare to meet Newcastle on Sunday at 4.30pm, they may be conscious of an underwhelming record in that slot, having won just 12 of 33 matches, including their recent 7-0 drubbing at Liverpool.
Liverpool celebrate their hammering of Manchester United – another bad day for the Old Trafford club in the 4.30pm Sunday slot (Photo: Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)Southampton, like Liverpool, prefer the very early kick-off, winning five of nine at 12pm (1.78 PPG). On the other hand, one win in 10 at 6pm is one of the reasons they will have been glad to see the back of Project Restart.
Ten minutes between start times makes a big difference for Tottenham, who average 2.17 PPG when kicking off at 2.05 pm. Strangely, at 2.15pm it is a different story: from their five games at that time, their PPG drops to 1.4.
If you’re playing West Ham at 8.15pm, beware. An average of 2.5 PPG and five wins from six matches is an impressive record. Just 30 minutes earlier though, they average 0.2 PPG with one draw and four defeats in their five games at 7.45pm.
The other 10 clubs in the top flight have not been ever-presents since 2013, so the sample size is smaller, but there are some trends that are worth picking out.
An early Saturday 12.30pm kick-off has not a problem for Villa, who average their best PPG (1.8) with six wins from 10 fixtures. Ask them to start an hour later and it is a different story: in 1.30pm kick-offs their PPG average drops to 0.57.
Bournemouth
Gary O’Neil must wish all of their matches would start at 7.45pm given they average 1.31 PPG in this period. They’re not quite as in the mood for the first part of a Super Sunday, having only won one of six games played at 2pm (0.5 PPG), albeit that will largely be against high-calibre opponents.
Brentford have busted the second-season syndrome theory, and their ability to upset the Premier League’s elite is reflected in their excellent record in Saturday 5.30pm games, which has earned them their highest PPG (1.83). They have featured heavily in the 3pm Saturday slot, playing 27 games, but average only 1.19 PPG.
Brighton & Hove Albion
The regular 4pm slot has been consigned to history, which is a pity for Brighton, as it was this slot which gave the club its best PPG record (two points from their five games). One area the club can work is improving their record at 7.30pm: they have won just one out of 10 games here (0.7 PPG), although that did come in their most recent game at this time, against Crystal Palace just over a fortnight ago.
Fulham’s best PPG average is only one point in the 2pm Super Sunday and the 7.45pm slots, summing up their survival attempts before this season. They have not been good early risers as they have failed to win any of the six 12pm kick-off matches they’ve been involved in, averaging 0.33 PPG.
Leeds thrived in lockdown, winning all five of the games that started at 6pm in that period. The 4.30pm Sunday slot, however, has been a graveyard: they have not won any of their six matches, picking up two points and averaging 0.33 PPG.
Leeds’ 5-0 win over West Brom in 2020 was one of five they had in 6pm slots during the period when games were played without fans due to Covid (Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)History suggests Leicester prefer slightly earlier starts, especially 1.30pm and 2.15pm : they have played five games at both times and average two PPG. Don’t go too early, though: they have been miserable in 12pm kick-offs, losing five of their six games and averaging just 0.5 PPG.
Newcastle United
Midweek 7.30pm kick-offs are Newcastle’s favourite fixture as they average 2.20 PPG. While their poor record on Monday nights was well documented, they are one of the biggest sufferers from the Saturday early afternoon blues: just two wins from 15 matches at 12.30pm gives them an average of 0.67 PPG.
Forest’s first season back in the Premier League makes it difficult to paint a full picture when only assessing averages of five games or more. In 12 3pm Saturday games they’ve averaged 0.83 points, winning only twice from 12 games. They have not enjoyed midweek 8pm games, taking one point from five matches (0.2 PPG). Early weekend slots have been better: they have won their only game on Saturday at 12.30pm (against Liverpool) while in Sunday 2pm games they have averaged 1.75 PPG from four matches.
If you’re Julen Lopetegui, you would hope for as many 7.30pm fixtures as possible before the end of the season. Wolves are unbeaten in their five games at that time (2.20 PPG). They have not fared anywhere near as well when faced with 4pm kick-offs, averaging just 0.6 points PPG but at least that is one problem they no longer have to grapple with.
(Top image: Getty Images; design by John Bradford)
All to play for: The curious case of the Premier League’s vanishing mid-table
There isn’t a mid-table in the Premier League at the moment. All 20 clubs resume action this weekend with something to play for.
Since it was reduced to 20 teams in 1995-96, there has never been a Premier League season in which — at the 27-game stage* — no teams have a points total of somewhere between 30 and 35. Until now.
In fact, since 2007-08 there have been at least two clubs every year in the 30-35 point band after 27 games — generally enough to be reasonably far ahead of the bottom but some distance behind the top half.
Clubs are either battling for a place in Europe or fighting relegation, with no in-between. Where are the “safe” teams? Cruising in 12th or 13th, grabbing fistfuls of popcorn and watching the other sections of the table wage war, knowing that no matter the scoreline, it won’t affect their outcome. “On the beach” is a phrase for a reason.
We delved into the data to find out just how unusual this season has been.
*very few English seasons proceed neatly with each team playing all their games when they should, so for the purposes of this article we have normalised each campaign to 27 games.
The top ‘half’ of the tableTeams: Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle, Liverpool, Brighton, Brentford, Fulham, Chelsea, Aston VillaLet’s start with the top half of the table. These are all teams that could, in theory, qualify for Europe.
Incredibly, just 12 points separate 11th-place Aston Villa (38) from Manchester United (50) in third.
Of course, the chances of Villa pulling off a monstrous 10-game winning streak, landing them a Champions League spot as Unai Emery sprints towards the Holte End on the last day of the season, ripping his shirt off to reveal an underlayer that reads: ‘Why Always Emery?’ is an amusing but unlikely outcome.
But it does emphasise the fact that, with just 12 points separating 11th and 3rd, the opportunity to grab a European spot is dangling in front of teams as low as Villa and Chelsea, who meet this weekend.
It’s an interesting narrative, one that will shuffle around plenty by May 28, and a possibility for several ‘lesser’ names to snatch a spot from regulars Liverpool and Chelsea.
For Newcastle (fifth) and Fulham (ninth) it’s potentially a welcome return to continental football.
For Brighton (seventh) and Brentford (eighth), it’s a chance to taste European football for the first time in their history.
How many European places are available? Seven in total, but how they are allocated can vary.
Manchester United’s League Cup victory in February means the Europa Conference League spot associated with that win will switch to the Premier League, and if a team who finishes in the top six win the FA Cup (which seems likely) then the cup’s Europa League spot will also pass to the Premier League.
It’s probable, therefore, that the top seven positions will be European spots, as has happened in the last two Premier League seasons. Chelsea’s game with Aston Villa on Saturday is suddenly a lot bigger than a game between 10th and 11th in April might normally be.
Unai Emery has revitalised Aston Villa and temporarily deleted the Premier League’s mid-table (Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)The bottom ‘half’ of the tableTeams: Crystal Palace, Wolves, Leeds, Everton, Nottingham Forest, Leicester, West Ham, Bournemouth, SouthamptonIn the bottom section of the table, tension reigns as just four points separate 20th-place Southampton (23) with Crystal Palace in 12th (27) — just four!
That’s nine teams sweating under the pressure of making every minute count.
This is not how the Premier League script is usually written: at this stage of the season, we know at least one team that is going down. But this year, even for rock-bottom Southampton, anything can happen.
Although they sit 20th, Southampton still have 23 points, an anomaly in itself compared to previous seasons. At the 27-game marker, every campaign in the last 10 years has seen at least one club with 20 points or less, most significantly Huddersfield’s 11 points in the 2018-19 season and Sheffield United’s 14 in 2020-21.
Even struggling teams are picking up points regularly this season — teams starting the day bottom have already won 11 games in 2022-23, the most since the 2017-18 season — but surely it pays to play fellow strugglers at this stage?
Yes, it does.
Crystal Palace fans will breathe a sigh of relief with this news, as of the nine teams chasing survival, they have the ‘easiest’ fixture list with seven of their last 10 games against bottom-half sides. The graphic below shows that, in each of the last 10 Premier League seasons, teams in the bottom half of the table have a higher win percentage against fellow strugglers than they do in the top half.
That stands to reason, of course, but each campaign will still contain variance. Last season there wasn’t much difference at all, but in 2020-21 the contrast was stark.
As for Southampton, Everton, Wolves and Nottingham Forest, just four of their final games come against bottom-half sides, but all of them can point to decent displays against higher-ranked opponents, such as Everton’s win against Arsenal in Sean Dyche’s first game.
Where is the ‘mid’ table?Teams: TBCAs seen in the first graphic, no team fits the security of the lower mid-table safe zone at the 27-game marker, they are either in a relegation battle or competing for Europe. Nine teams being bunched together at the bottom is rare — usually, there are one or two sides that have been cut adrift.
It’s easy to become complacent at this stage of the season and fall into trouble, but there’s no such danger in 2022-23 because currently every single team is engaged in a fight for survival or the chase for Europe. That will change as the table solidifies in the coming weeks but it doesn’t alter the fact that the 2022-23 season is a very unusual edition of the Premier League.
We are set for the most intense relegation battle since the 2010-11 season, which saw a gap of only 10 points between seventh and 20th place after 31 games. That campaign remains the last time that all three relegated teams collected 33 points, something that feels very achievable for the class of 2022-23. In fact, FiveThirtyEight has Southampton finishing bottom in their predictions… on 33 points.
So whichever Premier League team you follow — strap in, because everything is up for grabs in the final two months.
(Top photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Every Liverpool player available to play Man City as Jürgen Klopp missing five players
Liverpool faces an intimidating fixture list in April with the first of a trio of clashes against so-called 'Big Six' sides to come in the space of eight days, starting with a trip to face Manchester City away. Jürgen Klopp will have to do without six stars, with a couple also doubtful.
There is no doubt about the task which faces the Reds over the next week or so with this weekend's face-off with Pep Guardiola's side at the Etihad soon followed by Chelsea away on Tuesday and then a meeting with league leaders Arsenal on Sunday. One senses that this week will not be for Liverpool supporters with faint hearts.
Liverpool very rarely gets through an international break unscathed in terms of injuries to personnel and this week has been no different with one star having picked up a knock that could keep him out for this run of fixtures and another probably facing a fitness test to face the Citizens. It has not been all bad though, with the sight of Luis Díaz emerging for training alongside his teammates after a long injury lay-off at the AXA Training Centre this week a really promising sign as Liverpool heads into the final 12 games of the Premier League season.
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Here Liverpool.com brings you the full list of players available to manager Klopp, who will be hoping that his side can get pick up points against Manchester City to keep their top four hopes alive:
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Adrián, Caoimhin Kelleher.
Defenders: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Joe Gomez, Andy Robertson, Joël Matip, Nat Phillips, Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Midfielders: Fabinho, James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fábio Carvalho, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Arthur Melo.
Forwards: Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota.
Players who are injured: Luis Díaz, Thiago Alcântara, Calvin Ramsay, Naby Keïta, Stefan Bajčetić.
Players who are doubtful: Darwin Núñez (ankle gash; 'in contention'), Kostas Tsimikas (rib injury; being assessed), Rhys Williams (stomach bug).
Man City vs Liverpool simulated to get a score prediction for Premier League clash
Liverpool will be looking to pick up their first win in eight years at the Etihad Stadium when the Reds face Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.
After a week of international duty, Liverpool plays their first game in 16 days on Saturday when they face title-chasers Man City. The Reds entered the international break on the back of two tough defeats, one against Bournemouth in the Premier League, the other at the hands of Real Madrid as Jürgen Klopp's side was knocked out of the competition.
Currently in sixth and seven points behind Tottenham in fourth, Liverpool needs to start finding wins consistently, but they have a tough run of games ahead. In the next eight days, the Reds face City, Arsenal and Chelsea, but with no other competition to focus on, Klopp's side may have a slight advantage.
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So, how could Liverpool perform against City on Saturday? Let's take a look.
We simulated Man City vs Liverpool to get a score predictionTo complete this simulation, we used FIFA 23 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that City could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Aké; Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan; Mahrez, Álvarez, Grealish.
Liverpool's predicted XI vs Man City
(Image: EA SPORTS FIFA)
We predict that Jurgen Klopp's side could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson; Jota, Gakpo, Núñez; Salah.
After bringing down Salah on his way to goal, Ruben Dias was sent off after just 14 minutes to hand Liverpool a huge advantage. But, despite being a man ahead, the Reds were poor at the Etihad, and after 70 minutes City found themselves 4-0 ahead.
Kevin De Bruyne made it 3-0 to City
(Image: EA SPORTS)
Jack Grealish scored either side of half-time to put City 2-0 up, with both goals coming from close range after some questionable defending from the Reds. Not long after, Kevin De Bruyne punished some more bad defending from Liverpool when he eased into the box and fired into the corner, making it 3-0.
And 67 minutes in, City grabbed a fourth, this time Julian Álvarez getting on the scoresheet as the Argentine tapped home Riyad Mahrez's cross from close range. It was becoming a battering, but the Reds improved in the final stages of the game, even managing to pull a goal back.
Salah made it 4-1
(Image: EA SPORTS FIFA)
City lost the ball to Trent Alexander-Arnold deep in the Liverpool half, and the defender exposed City's high line with a long ball forward for Mohamed Salah to chase. The Egyptian latched onto the pass before breezing in front of Kyle Walker, and he managed to curl his shot past Ederson to make it 4-1.
Substitute Roberto Firmino came close to grabbing a second for Liverpool three minutes after Salah's strike, but the Brazilian failed to find the target with a header from close range. All of a sudden, the Reds found themselves in control, and Darwin Nunez got on the scoresheet to make it 4-2 in the 87th minute.
Nunez made it 4-2
(Image: EA SPORTS)
A switch of play from Alexander-Arnold saw Andrew Robertson lift a pass over the top of the City defense, allowing Nunez to break through on goal. After bringing down Robertson's through ball, the Uruguayan powered his effort across goal and into the corner to make it 4-2, but that was all the Reds could conjure late on as they fell to a heavy defeat.
FIFA 23 predicted final score: Man City 4-2 LiverpoolHere are the full-time stats:
FT stats from Man City 4-2 Liverpool on FIFA 23
(Image: EA SPORTS FIFA)
FIFA 23 predicts Liverpool could struggle against an in-form Man City side, losing 4-2 in the simulation. Despite an impressive end to the game, a dismal 70 minutes allowed City to wheel away from the Reds and claim the three points.
Liverpool has new $79m heir to Mohamed Salah title and Pep Guardiola shouldn't underestimate him
Liverpool faces three 'Big Six' teams in the space of just eight days with the games likely to prove pivotal in the Reds' quest to qualify for the Champions League. One key man may have been overlooked in terms of his importance ahead of this daunting trio of clashes.
Games against Manchester City, Chelsea and league leaders Arsenal over the course of just over a week would strike fear into most teams but there is no doubt that Jürgen Klopp's side comes into this set of fixtures with a very clear objective. Currently sitting in sixth place in the table with 12 games still to play, it is obvious that Liverpool faces a real fight when it comes to finishing in the top four, with Tottenham and Newcastle United the teams the Reds will have to usurp in the race.
If the unthinkable were to occur and Liverpool was to lose all three of the upcoming fixtures starting with the trip to the Etihad, it would likely take a miracle for them to have an outside chance of achieving this final target for the season. The good news, however, is that the Reds do have a surprisingly good record in clashes against so-called 'Big Six' opposition with Klopp's side currently top of the mini-league in terms of clashes between the teams in question this term, having picked up a total of 15 points.
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That said, the intensity of playing these kinds of fixtures back-to-back should not be underestimated and it is clear that Liverpool will need to find it within themselves to assume the form of the previous years under Klopp to maintain this record. To do this, there is no doubt that a couple of key names will likely be massively influential based on the evidence of previous games against 'Big Six' opposition.
Mohamed Salah has been the most prolific player in clashes between 'Big Six' opposition since August 2020, registering 23 goals and assists in total to firmly establish himself as the most dangerous goal threat in those fixtures during the period in question. It is fair to assume that, of all of Liverpool's forwards, the Egyptian would probably be the player most supporters would bank on scoring a potentially decisive goal in a fixture against Manchester City, with nine goal involvements in 'Big Six' clashes this season alone.
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That said, the record of another Reds attacker has not been too shabby in the 'big games' so far this term, with Darwin Núñez having scored against Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal this season. With four goal involvements in clashes against 'Big Six' teams since his $79m (£64m/€73m) signing, it is clear that he has provided a real threat for Klopp in crunch fixtures, with goals also coming in matches against Newcastle, Napoli and Real Madrid.
Liverpool's last clash against 'Big Six' opposition came in the 7-0 win against Manchester United at Anfield earlier this month and while a repeat of this kind of scoreline is surely unthinkable against their cross-city rivals, Núñez's two goals in the fixture against the Reds' biggest foes was probably the apotheosis of what has been pretty impressive form in these fixtures this season for their marquee summer signing. Intriguingly, with the aforementioned four goal involvements in just seven fixtures against 'Big Six' opposition in the Premier League, his strike rate of 0.57 goals per game is pretty much identical to his overall average which stands at 0.55, which shows he does not wilt under pressure in these high-profile clashes.
All eyes are likely to be on his teammate Salah, given his record in these games ahead of the upcoming trio of 'Big Six' clashes, but opponents would be foolish to underestimate the Uruguayan. His record this season suggests he could be a difference-maker over the next eight days for Liverpool.
Liverpool hero has unique motive vs Man City after baffling snub 'surprised' Pep Guardiola man
Last season, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was named in the PFA Team of the Year, and he also won the Golden Glove after keeping the most clean sheets.
This year, he probably won't make the division's best XI given Liverpool's lowly standing, such is the way individual awards are sometimes judged.
And while he has a chance of retaining the Golden Glove, Newcastle's Nick Pope and Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale are two shutouts clear and look like the favorites.
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Alisson, then, may not get the wider recognition he earned last year, even though he's arguably been even better this season. In fact, you could argue this has been his best campaign for Liverpool to date, as his shot-stopping record demonstrates.
As per FBRef, Alisson has 'prevented' 8.2 goals this season (determined by post-shot xG), a figure that's not only the best in the Premier League, but Europe's top five leagues altogether.
He's near-unanimously regarded as the club's best player of 2022/23, having kept the Reds in the Champions League race almost single-handedly.
With the once formidable protection in front of him eroded, Alisson has been performing near-miracles between the sticks.
On Saturday, he goes up against Manchester City counterpart Ederson in what is always one of the most highly-anticipated match-ups of the season.
The intention here isn't to dredge up the tired old debate over who's better. To many, that's been settled at this point anyway.
Alisson faces his compatriot Ederson on Saturday when Liverpool travels to Manchester City
(Image: Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The reality is that both are elite goalkeepers who have truly revolutionized the Premier League with their ball-playing abilities.
But beyond affirming his status against his rival, Alisson has a new incentive this time, extending beyond Liverpool's top-four push.
Brazil manager Tite stepped down following the World Cup at the end of last year, and his temporary replacement, Mano Menezes, controversially omitted Alisson from his first selection for a friendly against Morocco.
The reason for his decision is unclear, with no injury involved.
Even Ederson himself admitted he was 'surprised' by the call, telling the press he 'thought [Alisson] would be on the list' (via Goal).
The City man suggested that Menezes potentially wanted to give younger players an opportunity, but while 19-year-old Mycael of Athletico Paranaense was handed his first shot, 35-year-old Palmeiras stopper Weverton was also called up, complicating that narrative somewhat.
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There's also a possibility that the coach has opted for something of a post-World Cup shake-up after Brazil underperformed once again, crashing out in the quarter-finals at the hands of Croatia.
But even that would make little sense given that Alisson didn't put a foot wrong in Qatar and has been in sensational form at club level.
The 30-year-old may yet return to the squad in future international windows, and this might prove to be just a blip. But as it stands right now, he has a place to win back.
And he's about to go up against a direct competitor, offering him an ideal chance to make a statement.
It could well be one of his busiest days of the whole season as the league's most fearsome attack (City has posted a table-topping 56.1 expected goals) faces the weakest Liverpool defense for years (the Reds rank 10th in the other column).
The ongoing rivalry between the two 'keepers has now taken an unexpected twist, and we'll see how both respond at the Etihad.
Julian Ward 'pulls U-turn on plans' as Liverpool handed potential double transfer 'boost'
Welcome to the Liverpool.com daily Media Digest. From transfers to tweets, it can be hard to keep up with everything going on in the Anfield sphere. Credible, incredible and anything in between: we round it all up in one place here, taking a sideways look at the day’s media goings-on from around the world.
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Julian Ward deal hits the buffers
It was thought that Liverpool's sporting director Julian Ward was going to join Ajax next season once his contract with Liverpool was finished.
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READ MORE: Jürgen Klopp will soon unlock bold Liverpool move and could unleash it on Man City
Ward announced earlier this season that he would be leaving Anfield at the end of the current campaign in what was a shock to many, as he had only replaced Michael Edwards in the role last summer.
It had been reported that he had been close to a move to Dutch side Ajax in order to help rebuild the Eredivise side. Yet it seems now that the deal is off. According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, who broke the initial news that he was going there, Ward was unhappy about the club's indecisiveness.
The Athletic claims, however, that Ajax wanted Ward to take the role straight away, but the 41-year-old wants to take a sabbatical once this season is finished, and so the deal fell apart.
Either way, Ward informed the club that he wouldn't be taking the role and it seems he might be heading elsewhere after Anfield.
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Liverpool handed double target 'boost'
Liverpool has been handed a boost in their attempts to sign Eintracht Frankfurt duo Evan Ndicka and Daichi Kamada, with the news that the German club has pulled contract offers for the pair.
Liverpool has been linked with both players in recent months and weeks, especially with Ndicka, with links emerging this week of a potential free transfer.
According to the German source Bild, any attempts to keep the pair in Frankfurt have proved futile, and the German side is resigned to losing both for free this summer.
In fact, Frankfurt announced the signing of Willian Pacho (via Forbes) this week, thought to be a replacement for Ndicka. Whether the pair end up at Liverpool, or at least one of them, remains to be seen.
The ECHO reported earlier today that Ndicka is not actively being pursued at the current moment, though that could change depending on the situation at center-back come the summer.
Liverpool will spend money in summer transfer window – Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool will embark on a spending spree this summer – but refused to be drawn on whether they would break the £100million barrier to sign a single player.
Liverpool are in need of reinforcements after a disappointing season which has seen them crash out of all the cups and left playing catch-up in pursuit of a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will all leave when their contracts expire this summer and James Milner’s future is also uncertain as he’s set to become a free agent.
It promises to be a costly midfield rebuild with Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Chelsea’s Mason Mount among their top targets. Signing Bellingham would require Liverpool to shatter their transfer record with Dortmund demanding in excess of £100million.
Asked if he could see the club being prepared to go that high to land a player, Klopp said: “I will not answer the question because we never speak about these kind of things.
“We will spend in the summer, that’s what I can say, definitely. For who and how many and stuff like this, there is nothing to say about that really.”
Klopp added: “It’s clear after a specific amount of time that you need to shuffle things and kind of start anew. That is completely normal.
“It’s just rare nowadays that it happens with the same manager because people realise when you sack a manager and bring in a new manager, things change and you readjust the squad. After seven years it was clear that we have to do it. There is a moment when you have to make changes. We are not where we want to be, where we should be and where we have to be.”
Liverpool, who are seven points behind fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur going into Saturday’s crunch clash at Manchester City, have been erratic with their 7-0 demolition of Manchester United swiftly followed by a miserable defeat away to lowly Bournemouth.
Does that make assessing how much change is required this summer more difficult?
“I don’t feel that way. I understand but I would say no,” Klopp said.
“My main job is to watch the boys over the whole year and that is what I do – during sessions, during games. One game, two games have absolutely nothing to do with the decision. You don’t sign a player after winning 7-0 or you sell a player after losing 1-0.”
Having pushed City all the way for the title last season, Liverpool find themselves 19 points behind Pep Guardiola’s side this time around.
Klopp said: “We are 100 per cent guilty for everything but things happened like they happened. We had injuries, wow, and of course it’s completely normal for people to say ‘that’s not good enough’, but that’s bollocks.
“It doesn’t change overnight, you don’t lose all our brains and fitness and medical. Things happen and then you have to react, but when you are a little bit unlucky in this direction, then it’s really difficult and the league is running away at that moment.
“That is where we were. The football part, we didn’t deal well enough with setbacks through the season. Now it is Man City and they require our full attention.”
GO DEEPER
#FSGOut, the potential sale of Liverpool and a fear of being left behind
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“We will spend” – Jurgen Klopp on Liverpool’s ‘definite’ transfer plans
Liverpool’s transfer planning has picked up over the international break and Jurgen Klopp has put a marker down for the club’s owners.
With an ageing squad, it is clear Liverpool need to regenerate their team this summer.
Midfield has been the area singled out for criticism and Liverpool’s recent substantial links to Mason Mount and Jude Bellingham suggest it is a department they will heavily invest in.
The Reds have not spent as much as many of their competitors in recent years, namely Chelsea and Man City, but Klopp has insisted “the club will spend in the summer, definitely.”
With both players abovementioned not coming cheap, Klopp was asked if he could see Liverpool spending over £100 million on one player – a not-so-subtle hint about Bellingham.
The German replied: “I can, or I will not answer your question. We never speak about these kinds of things.
“We will spend in the summer, that’s what I can say, definitely. The club will spend in the summer, definitely.
“For who and how many? There’s nothing to say about it really.”
Transfer rumours have become more substantial over the international break and a “positive” Klopp said there have been “talks” but “no decision yet.”
He added: “We are busy, you can imagine.”
Though Liverpool’s form has been far from what’s required to compete at the top, the manager maintains that he will not make reactionary decisions based on players’ form.
[embedded content]
[embedded content]“That has nothing to do with specific results, obviously. My main job is to watch the boys the whole year,” he insisted.
“That’s what I do, during sessions and during games. One game, two games – it has absolutely nothing to do with the decisions.”
The manager added: “That doesn’t mean you sign a player after 7-0 or you sell a player after losing 1-0.”
It will be interesting to see if Liverpool return to the method, from the start of Klopp’s era, which saw a host of rising stars arrive at Anfield, or if they will start to sign players already at the peak of their powers.
Either way, Klopp has readily noted Liverpool’s need to nail their signings as their budget does not allow for them to get it wrong unlike some of their rivals.
The due diligence is clearly already in motion and Klopp is “positive” about the situation, now it is for the club to make it happen in the transfer window.
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