Liverpool hopes to demonstrate that they are once again legitimate title contenders when they travel to Manchester City on Saturday to play the top two teams in the Premier League.
The Reds have been City’s most reliable rivals throughout a period of dominance under Pep Guardiola’s leadership.
The only occasion in the last six seasons that City have failed to win the English championship is in 2019–20, when Liverpool won their first championship in thirty years.
In exciting championship contests, they defeated Jurgen Klopp’s team by a single point in 2018/19 and 2021/22.
However, Liverpool dropped to fifth place last season after going dangerously close to winning an unprecedented quadruple of titles the year before, and it was Arsenal who pushed City close.
Although Klopp has dubbed his revived club “Liverpool 2.0,” he acknowledges that there is still a long way to go until his new team performs to the same high caliber as his former Anfield teams.
Liverpool, who have only lost once in 12 Premier League games this season—in a highly contentious manner at Tottenham in September—now sit atop the standings, one point behind City.
Klopp remarked, “We decided we had to change a lot last year.” “It’s crucial that we are currently moving in the right direction.”
They still need to demonstrate, though, that they can compete with the unstoppable City machine for the full demanding schedule of 38 games.
Liverpool has won all nine of its home games in all competitions this season, scoring 27 goals, and Anfield looks to have been restored as a stronghold around which a title challenge can be constructed.
But Klopp’s team faces the biggest test of all at the Etihad Stadium after winning just two of their first six away league games.
Since December of last year, City has won 23 straight home games across all competitions.
The “twists and turns”
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk stated prior to the international break, “When we come back there is a very big one away and we will see if we are ready for that test.”
“Overall, this season has gone really well, but as we all know, the season is not set in stone until November and could take many unexpected turns.”
Liverpool’s comeback has been greatly aided by the Dutchman’s return to form.
However, a midfield makeover has given a team that appeared to have reached its peak new life and zest.
After leaving RB Leipzig, Dominik Szoboszlai has been a revelation, and Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have shown glimpses of potential.
In the Premier League, only Erling Haaland of City has scored 10 goals more than Mohamed Salah.
However, a strong group of offensive players, including Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo, has provided the Egyptian with strong assistance.
A more defensive-minded alternative at the base of midfield is still the one obvious need.
When Liverpool offered a British record for Moises Caicedo in August, the Ecuadorian turned it down in favor of a move to Chelsea.
Wataru Endo, the captain of Japan, was a less expensive choice, but he has only made two Premier League starts and has not yet gained Klopp’s trust.
Liverpool desired Caicedo’s ferocity and intensity for journeys like those to the Etihad because, in the absence of a player with that kind of profile, City could be able to let loose.
However, if Liverpool manages to use their own tools to break the unbeatable champions on home ground, Klopp will find it challenging to silence rumors of a potential rematch.
The German stated, “You have to continue with all the other teams until March or April.”
We can begin speaking if we are still there. Up until that point, you must battle your way through the world’s hardest league.
