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Liverpool's manager requested an encore of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the title holders visit Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, that will not sit in a defensive block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is learning each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.