By Conor McLarnon

“BOBBY FIRMINO: BEST IN THE WORLD” DOCUMENTARY | EPISODE 1

Despite a disappointing run of form City will be motivated by the fact that they have not been beaten by Liverpool at the Etihad since 2018, but now might be the best time for the league leaders to put an end to that run.

City’s squad has been bolstered by their new winter window signings which includes £60 million signing Omar Mamooush who bagged a 30 minute hat-trick against Newcastle last weekend.

Their current absentees include Akanji, Bobb and Cascante, but further team news is expected closer to the match.

For Liverpool squad availability is a bit more complex due to the double game week as well as suspensions looming over Curtis Jones and Arne Slot.
It was only last week when Slot and Jones were both dismissed after tempers flared amongst both sides in the Merseyside derby, which meant that Slot was forced to communicate via the stands at Villa Park.

However, both have completed their respective suspensions with Jones featuring in the 2-2 draw to Villa with Slot back in the dugout after serving his two-match suspension.

After Liverpool saved a draw in a thrilling 2-2 encounter on Thursday night thanks to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Slot stressed that he wanted to see maximum effort from the players as we approach the business end of the season.

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He said: “The only thing I can ask for and that the fans can ask for. And then we are unlucky not to score our chances. That’s football, unfortunately. But we can not accept that they don’t give maximum effort.

“That’s what they constantly do and that’s what I assume they will do again. But you never know the outcome. The fixture list for us is now a few difficult games in a row, but that’s what you have to accept.”

Guardiola has not yet had his conference since his side were humbled by a dominant Madrid, beaten 6-3 on aggregate by current Champions League holders Real Madrid in the play-off round for the last 16 of the competition.

Post match Guardiola shared his concern about City’s form this season implying that they might not be the force they were for so many previous seasons.

He said: “Nothing is eternal. We have been unbelievable and we have to try step by step to get better from today. “We have been extraordinarily extraordinary in the past, but not any more.

“We have 13 games [left in the Premier League] and have to be top four or five to try to be [in the Champions League] again.”

This clash is critical for both sides for different reasons, but one thing is assured and that is this will be a feisty game with drama and chaos likely to unfold.

Liverpool predicted XI

Alisson (GK) – Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson – Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister – Salah, Jota, Diaz

Have you ever wondered how Liverpool transformed into one of the most tactically intelligent teams in the world? 

Over the years, the club has refined its defensive approach, shifting from a traditional backline to an advanced system built on intelligence, awareness, and technical ability. 

The evolution of Liverpool’s defense is not just about pressing high but about thinking fast, adapting quickly, and staying one step ahead of the opposition.

The Klopp Effect: A New Defensive Identity

When Jürgen Klopp arrived at Liverpool, his philosophy was clear—aggressive pressing, fast transitions, and relentless energy. While attacking play was at the forefront, the defensive strategy was just as crucial. 

The idea wasn’t just to defend and win the ball back as quickly as possible. This gave birth to Liverpool’s signature high defensive line, designed to suffocate opponents and regain possession in dangerous areas.

The Rise of the High Line

Liverpool’s high defensive line is one of the most distinctive features of their play. By pushing defenders further up the pitch, the team reduces space for the opposition to build attacks. This approach works brilliantly when executed with the right balance of speed and anticipation. 

The introduction of Virgil van Dijk was a game-changer. His presence provided leadership, composure, and an incredible ability to read the game. His calmness on the ball and aerial dominance became the foundation of Liverpool’s defensive evolution.

Alongside him, full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson redefined their roles. Instead of staying back and waiting for the opposition, they became key figures in attack while maintaining defensive solidity. 

Their energy, positioning, and tactical intelligence allowed Liverpool to keep their defensive structure intact, even when pushing forward.

Intelligent Pressing: Defending from the Front

One of the biggest strengths of Liverpool’s defense isn’t just in the backline but in how the entire team contributes to winning the ball back. The high press starts with the forwards. 

Players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Roberto Firmino set the tone by closing down passing lanes and forcing mistakes. Midfielders such as Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, and Thiago Alcântara add another layer of defensive intelligence by intercepting passes and controlling the tempo.

By forcing the opposition into uncomfortable positions, Liverpool ensures that their defense is rarely exposed. The intelligence in pressing helps in regaining possession quickly and limits the number of clear chances opponents get.

Tactical Adaptations and Flexibility

While the high line has been a key feature, Liverpool’s defensive evolution has also been about adaptability. The team has learned to adjust based on different situations, showing great flexibility in their approach. 

Against teams that try to exploit space behind the defense, Liverpool’s backline is quick to drop deeper when needed. This balance between an aggressive line and clever positioning makes their defense effective.

Alisson Becker’s role in goal is another important factor. His ability to read the Fortune Tiger Demo game, rush out when necessary, and precisely distribute the ball has been instrumental in Liverpool’s defensive strategy. A goalkeeper who acts as a sweeper allows the team to maintain their high line confidently.

The Role of Data and Analytics

Liverpool’s defensive success is not just about the players on the pitch but also the use of technology and analysis. The club’s recruitment team has exceptionally identified defenders who fit Klopp’s system. 

Advanced data analytics helps study opponents, improve positional awareness, and make in-game adjustments.

Liverpool’s coaching staff constantly works on refining defensive strategies, ensuring that players are well-prepared for every situation. Whether studying opponent patterns or improving individual decision-making, the focus is always on staying ahead tactically.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Liverpool’s Defense

Liverpool’s defensive evolution is a continuous process. The future looks promising, with young talents coming through the ranks and new signings adding depth. The club remains committed to blending experience with fresh energy, ensuring that the defensive standards remain high.

As the game continues to evolve, so will Liverpool’s approach. The focus will always be on playing proactive, intelligent football that keeps the team competitive at the highest level. The combination of tactical awareness, technical ability, and adaptability will keep Liverpool’s defense among the best in the world.

By Aiden Gharibian

The game ends 2–2 in an action-packed contest. Liverpool will be frustrated to leave with just a point after creating far more chances, but it’s not the worst outcome. The Reds finished with 2.45 expected goals compared to Aston Villa’s 0.75, suggesting that some players lacked their finishing touch today. But who shoulders the blame?

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In the midst of a few missed chances, Darwin Nunez will feel his miss was the worst of the bunch. Arne Slot brought on Darwin Nunez in the 66th minute in hopes of finding the winner, but the striker failed to make the desired impact. His missed chance was worth 0.75 expected goals, a number identical to the expected goals Aston Villa had throughout the entire match. If there was a match to back up all the claims from reputable sources about his likely summer departure, this was surely it. Along with this, Diogo Jota had a poor miss in the first half following Villa’s first goal, but he has some credit in the bank for his unselfish play for Salah’s goal. Now besides the performances of a couple of players, there is lots to say about the manner in which the game was controlled.

Is Alexander Isak the answer to Liverpool’s No.9 problem?

Arne Slot’s starting XI raised some eyebrows, with Díaz benched and Jones deployed on the left wing. In hindsight, Díaz’s energy could have been crucial from the start. The substitutions (or lack thereof) also proved ineffective, with Wataru Endo left on the bench while fatigue is clearly settling in for Ryan Gravenberch. There remain some question marks surrounding the substitution of Trent Alexander Arnold, as a player of his calibre can always create a magical moment out of nothing. Lastly, there has been a growing concern about the lack of minutes for Federico Chiesa, as he has only ever played 18 minutes in the Premier League. But how worried should Liverpool fans be about the title race?

There is no denying that Liverpool dropping these points is a concern in the title race. However, it only becomes a real threat if Arsenal capitalize on every dropped point. Though Arsenal are one match behind, Liverpool sit 8 points ahead, giving them plenty to chase. Liverpool’s slip-up could prove costly later in the season, but for now, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will fight back, and if Liverpool regain their form.