Liverpool’s threat on the counter must be contained for City to prosper on Sunday

Sunday’s crunch Premier League fixture between Manchester City and Liverpool at Anfield is now only a day away. Given the quality of both teams, there are a multitude of factors that could potentially decide tomorrow’s game. Pep Guardiola’s side will look to be brave and dominate possession in a hostile environment. Liverpool’s threat on the counterattack is something City must quell if they are to claim all three points at Anfield.

A weakness of the world champions this season has been their susceptibility to quick counterattacks. On multiple occasions this season teams have broken with pace against City to score. Chelsea, Newcastle, Wolves, RB Leipzig and FC Copenhagen have all broken through City’s high defensive line at times this season to make City pay. Against Liverpool on Sunday, the champions must contain Liverpool’s threat on the break to prosper.

Jurgen Klopp’s side do appear built to exploit City’s biggest weakness. With Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo all contenders to start up front Liverpool does possess the pace to get in behind City’s defence. It will require a team effort from Pep Guardiola’s side to contain the threat posed by Liverpool’s weapons up front.

Given Manchester City’s preferred method of play is to maintain possession and pin their opponents deep in their own half it does open up the possibility of a quick break against them. It will take a team effort across City’s midfield and defence to neutralize the threat. The City defence and midfield must defend as a unit to subdue the threat of Klopp’s side on the break.

Liverpool’s threat on the break must be contained for City to prosper at Anfield. If they can quell one of Liverpool’s biggest weapons it could go a long way in deciding tomorrow’s crucial fixture.