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Liverpool's manager requested an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing one more of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against a very in-form team 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 – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven matches. 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 earlier points and decision to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad 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 backline.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and leadership to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has established himself as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.