Norwegian is on a poor run of form as City search for a second Anfield win since Guardiola joined in 2016
On Sunday, Manchester City will face a defining moment to prove they can maintain their pursuit of leaders Arsenal and claim the Premier League title come May.
City face Liverpool in dubious form, having won only one of their last six games, and especially on the back of the spectacular collapse against Tottenham last weekend.
Pep Guardiola’s side did not lose that game, but it was certainly two points dropped after a Jekyll and Hyde performance saw them give way in the second half and allow one of the most miserable Spurs teams in Premier League history to come back from two goals down and secure a draw.
Haaland, who was City’s shining light in the first half of the season, is currently on a patchy run of form, having failed to score a non-penalty goal in the league since a 3-0 win over West Ham on 20 December, a span of seven games.
There have in fact been calls for the Norwegian, on 20 league goals so far this season, to be benched at Anfield, after Omar Marmoush started instead of him against Newcastle in midweek and netted a brace as City went through and set up a Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.
“Erling is the best striker in the world,” Guardiola said in Haaland’s defence. He added: “I don’t know if he’ll start at Liverpool, but I always say Erling is the best.”
If City fail to win against Liverpool, Arsenal could extend their lead at the top to eight or nine points, making them even harder to catch. Guardiola praised Liverpool and said he expected a tough game.
“It is always the toughest opponent and a difficult place and stadium with the quality of the players and the managers,” said Guardiola. “They remain an exceptional team with a top class manager.
“The moments are the moments, the seasons are the seasons. They rebuilt the squad not for one season but for many seasons.”
