🔗 Share this article Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Resurgent Liverpool Hone In On Haaland Liverpool's manager requested an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies. Perfect Remedy for Poor Form Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. It was also perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and poses an obvious, rampant threat. “There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing 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 good as a team defensively.” Reasons for Success The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven matches. Additional rest, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his earlier points and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace. The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline. The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and leadership to a back four. The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League. Szoboszlai’s Influence Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side. “What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.” Looking Ahead The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. That win in February 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 beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.