Manchester City is ready to face Liverpool aiming to solidify their EPL table-top status. Erling Haaland aims to change his fate against the Reds, after failing to score in this fixture in the league. Meanwhile, a soccer journalist emphasized how the Norwegian star’s influence with City has not surpassed Mohammed Salah’s importance for Liverpool’s lineup ahead of the game.
Haaland failed to emulate his goal-scoring prowess from the previous season, netting just 13 goals in the league to date. The Dortmund starlet did not forge a formidable threat for the rivals, despite his physical abilities in the field. Either way, Man City hasn’t fallen short in portraying their renowned dominance in the league fixtures.
There’s no denying that Haaland has made a huge difference with his gameplay for the Cityzens. The Norwegian forward scored 69 goals in 71 games with the PL champions and played a pivotal role in their treble-winning season. However, the Sky Blues will still possess the capability to secure emphatic results in the league without Haaland due to the dominant attacking force in their ranks.
Soccer reporter Zac Djellab praised Haaland on ESPN, “Haaland is a freak of nature. He is not human with the way he plays football. His goal-scoring abilities are crazy. But if you take Haaland out of that side, Man City will probably still win the league.”
But when it comes to impact on their teams, Djellab prefers the Egyptian, “I think if you take Salah out of Liverpool they won’t make it top four. I think they might be playing Europa League football. They’ve got so much that goes through him. He’s become kind of crucial to every single way they score goals.”
The Reds secured the second position in PL with 27 points thus far, thanks to the consistent scoring and tactical abilities of the Egyptian star. However, Liverpool might jeopardize their fortunes if they lose the star winger from their lineup.
Meanwhile, a Liverpool icon is confident that they can thwart Erling Haaland from making an impact on the upcoming league fixture. Let’s dig deep into the plan laid out by the former Reds defender.
Glen Johnson is convinced that Van Dijk holds the capability to prevent Haaland from capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The Dutch star can effectively block the Man City forward with his successful defense prowess. Thus, The Norwegian icon might encounter difficulty surpassing Dijk on the attacking third to increase his goal tally.
Johnson remarked in an interview, “If anyone can stop Haaland, Van Dijk can.” City has only secured 12 wins against the Reds in the PL over the seasons. Thus, the treble-winner will look to enhance their position as the league leader with this victory in the game.