Paul Merson has made his prediction for Liverpool’s big clash against Manchester City this weekend.
The Reds welcome their rivals to Anfield on Sunday. While these matches have so often been billed as potential title deciders in the past, Liverpool are currently 13 points behind Pep Guardiola’s side, sitting in 10th place in the table.
Jurgen Klopp ’s team do go into the fixture on the back of an emphatic 7-1 win at Rangers in the Champions League on Tuesday. However, they have failed to win any of their last three Premier League outings after they were beaten 3-2 at Arsenal last Sunday.
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And Merson has predicted the Reds to suffer a second consecutive defeat in the top flight, with a 3-1 loss at the hands of City. The Sky Sports pundit went on to explain why he thinks Liverpool will struggle to stop conceding goals to the likes of Erling Haaland.
“With Roberto Firmino and Darwin Nunez hitting form, the front three have suddenly come to life for Liverpool,” wrote Merson for Sportskeeda . “With Luis Diaz injured, however, someone will have to fill in on the left. It's hard for players to play out of position in big games, but I don't see how you can keep Nunez out of the side.
“If Firmino plays a slightly withdrawn role, Liverpool can play all four of their forwards. They had too many people up front against Arsenal, and someone needs to help out in midfield. When Firmino doesn't start, four forwards in a line-up doesn't work out very well for Liverpool.
“Liverpool were at their absolute best when (Mohamed) Salah could make his runs inside. The problem now is that he can't do that anymore with Nunez occupying that space up front and might need to change his game.
“Klopp didn't foresee this problem, and will need to find a way around it - it's just a little blip for the side. Joe Gomez was all over the place at full-back against Arsenal as well, and I can't see anything but a struggle against (Phil) Foden and (Jack) Grealish this weekend.
“Erling Haaland will be up against Virgil van Dijk this weekend, and I think the latter will find it a little difficult against the Premier League's leading goalscorer. This will be an interesting challenge for both players.
“Liverpool have been so spoiled by brilliance over the years that a couple of players being out of form has caused mayhem. Yesterday's result will make a difference for Liverpool, and Mohamed Salah will be a completely different player this weekend.
“Do I see Liverpool winning? No. They're still letting in too many goals. Manchester City have got Haaland and will still win a lot of games this season. I don't see how Liverpool are going to stop them from scoring at least two goals this weekend.”
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