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Liverpool's manager requested a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping another of the world's best attackers, and securing a third shutout in a row, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. It was also perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was in form. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven games. Additional rest, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. They backed up his earlier points and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has established himself as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.