The outoome of Liverpool’s conflict with Manchester Metropolis is more likely to hinge on how Virgil van Dijk copes with “absolute phenomenon” Erling Haaland, in response to Gary Neville.
Metropolis path Premier League leaders Arsenal by some extent forward of their journey to Anfield on Sunday, whereas Liverpool are 13 factors additional again, seemingly out of title rivalry already.
Pep Guardiola’s males are the one unbeaten aspect within the Premier League, thanks in no small half to the extraordinary exploits of Haaland.
Having solely performed 9 video games within the prime flight, Haaland has already damaged the information for many targets (15) and aim involvements (18) in a participant’s first 10 appearances within the competitors.
A visit to Merseyside will see Norway striker face arguably his hardest opponent but in Van Dijk, and Neville is worked up by the prospect of their duel.
“I nonetheless suppose, it doesn’t matter what kind Liverpool are in and the place they’re, Sunday will nonetheless really feel just like the hardest sport they [City] are going to face,” Neville advised Sky Sports activities.
Working in direction of #LIVMCI pic.twitter.com/SqCF8EUe5Z
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 14, 2022
“Look, on the finish of the day you already know what I really feel about these two golf equipment, however on Sunday you possibly can’t assist however consider Haaland towards Van Dijk.
“You simply can’t cease fascinated about how that’s going to play out. The very best centre-back on the earth for the final three or 4 years, who has struggled just a little bit extra this season.
“However he’s towards this absolute phenomenon. That Liverpool again line, which pushes up with house in behind… I’m fascinated by that, I can’t anticipate it, to be sincere.”
Liverpool are winless of their final 5 Premier League conferences with the champions (D3 L2) – they’ve by no means beforehand gone six with out a victory towards Metropolis within the league.