Wing mirrors for Bradley in a dual test of skill
KLOPP v Guardiola, both managers will go for the win the only way they know how — by playing expansive, exciting, enchanting football. They really have been a joy to watch and their relationship and respect has been a joy to watch. The key to clinching victory in this critical fixture will be controlling the centre of the pitch. When John Stones moves into midfield, he will line up alongside Rodri to create a box of four with Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. Unless Liverpool want to risk being outnumbered, they will need to send one of their own full backs into midfield — most likely Conor Bradley in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Bradley is full of potential but he will find it difficult performing that role while also looking after someone such as Jeremy Doku on City’s left. That’s one hell of a double shift for the academy graduate. I wish him well, but it will not be simple. It won’t be about his ability it will also test his mindset and mental awareness. He may need wing mirrors!
WHEN Stones moves into midfield, that leaves City with three at the back. Liverpool will look to be so quick in their transitions that Stones does not have a chance to retreat. Once they take possession, Klopp’s forwards will charge at City’s back three. Darwin Nunez now looks like the striker Klopp thought he was signing in 2022. He has 27 goal involvements this season and Klopp will hope he finds a moment of magic to win this one.
WHEN entering into a match of this magnitude, every detail matters, and it will not be lost on Klopp that Guardiola had an extra day to prepare. City were in Champions League action on Wednesday and didn’t have to use their passing assassins. De Bruyne, Silva, Phil Foden and Kyle Walker were unused subs, while Stones played for 22 minutes. Liverpool may be the walking wounded of late but they will be energised by the electricity of Anfield — not to mention the returns of Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai.
I’VE watched Caoimhín Kelleher with interest of late. Liverpool’s goalkeeper hasn’t been put under too much pressure by opponents but that will change here. City press so high that they are not against sending an attacker to charge down the keeper. Usually after 30 minutes, their opponents abandon their plan to play out from the back and launch long balls instead. But Klopp will want Kelleher to stick to his principles. Speaking of keepers, keep an eye on Ederson’s movement. Sometimes, he will respond to Stones leaving the back line by pushing up to become a back-four member. But Liverpool are relentless pressers and that could be risky. Klopp and Guardiola are two of the game’s greatest grandmasters. It is with sadness the Premier League is losing this rivalry so let’s hope for a fitting farewell full of fireworks.