There is still a long way to go before the Premier ends, although the Anfield clash can mark a before and after. A date of central importance, with a Liverpool that wants to hold on to life as it is and a City that steps on the enemy scene in search of the definitive takeoff. To win the champion, Guardiola’s team can take a giant step towards the league and incidentally discard that of Klopp, outstanding last year and now martyred for going from pothole to pothole.
There is nothing that pays more expensive than the goal and, nevertheless, both Liverpool and City have begun to rebuild from a center. Van Dijk changed the mood of the Anfield dressing room and Rúben Dias has done something similar at the Etihad, proof that success does not start and end with the media star on duty. Klopp was left without his guard, in addition to Matip and Joe Gomez and Liverpool has lost the chain, on the verge of saying goodbye to the Premier.
In the absence of some regulars, Kabak may make his debut in the axis of a defense of circumstances, with the recovered Fabinho as an ally. Liverpool have to make one fix after another against a City that arrives thrown after chaining nine league wins. An outrage that has taken him to the first place, unthinkable a few months ago: “I’m going to Anfield to win but without thinking that it could be definitive,” Guardiola said. His team has not prevailed in that stadium since 2003.
Bad memory although it is of little use to look back, even if a history like this is an entry condition. This time he stands at the appointment without Aké, Agüero and De Bruyne: “We miss everyone, but anyone has to be prepared to play,” said Santpedor. Especially City cling to Gündogan, their best argument in weeks: “His performance reminds me of the one he had in 2012. Fabulous,” said Klopp, who enjoyed his time at Dortmund.
As always, or at least in recent years, England are waiting impatiently for the most attractive match that can be seen in the Premier. A contrast between two teams with the unavoidable idea of attacking but in different ways. Liverpool now want to meet again and reconcile with their style of play, in the process of coupling Thiago to the system. The City, with that bet decided that it is the ball that circulates at high speed and not the legs of its players.
Klopp can only win if he doesn’t want to see himself on the canvas. Not even the draw can be interpreted as a mitigating against an opponent who has learned from his mistakes and who looks stronger than ever. This afternoon he wants to confirm his favorite tag at Anfield, the place that has resisted him the most since Guardiola arrived in Manchester. Although, without the fervor and support of its people, Anfield has lost magic and influence. The Premier can begin to decant today.