Leaky defences, gaps in midfield and more long-balls: Where Liverpool v Man City will be decided

Morgan King of the Manchester Evening News argues that Sunday's Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield should be a wide-open match. King highlights that both sides possess significant attacking strengths but also distinct defensive vulnerabilities and evolving tactical setups under managers Andoni Iraola and Enzo Maresca.

The analysis points out that Liverpool can exploit City's vulnerability against long balls and set pieces through aerially dominant defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet. Conversely, Manchester City can threaten Liverpool through Rayan Cherki's creative playmaking, increased crossing frequency to Erling Haaland, and transitions targeting Liverpool's aggressive man-to-man pressing system.