EPL: Guardiola eyes double over Liverpool as Man City plot Anfield strategy

Man City head coach Pep Guardiola will be aiming for a league double over Liverpool when his side travels to Anfield for a Premier League showdown.

Man City dominated the reverse fixture in November and deservedly took all three points, but the trip to Merseyside is expected to pose a tougher challenge.

Guardiola is likely to make changes in defence, with Ruben Dias returning to training this week after injury. While his comeback is a boost, the Portuguese centre-back may not be rushed back into the starting line-up, especially with Abdukodir Khusanov performing reliably in recent weeks. Marc Guehi is also expected to partner Khusanov in central defence, having joined City in January after Liverpool failed to secure his signature last summer.

In midfield, Rodri is set to anchor the team in front of the defence, with Guardiola keen to field experienced leaders for such a high-profile fixture. Attacking midfield roles could see adjustments, particularly with Jeremy Doku sidelined through injury. Antoine Semenyo is an option on the wings and could be deployed on the left to exploit Liverpool’s potential weakness at right-back, where Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to feature.

Bernardo Silva remains a major doubt for the trip, and Guardiola is unlikely to risk him given the depth of options available. Tijjani Reijnders impressed against Newcastle in midweek and could earn a start, while Phil Foden may also be included despite recent inconsistent form.

In attack, Omar Marmoush’s recent performance has strengthened his case for selection, but Guardiola is expected to turn to Erling Haaland for the big game against Liverpool.

The predicted City line-up could include Donnarumma in goal; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi and O’Reilly in defence; Rodri in midfield; Foden, Cherki, Reijnders and Semenyo in attacking roles; with Haaland leading the line.

Vanguard News

The post EPL: Guardiola eyes double over Liverpool as Man City plot Anfield strategy appeared first on Vanguard News.