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Arne Slot has called for a repeat of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the world's best attackers, and securing a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. It was also perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “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 good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his earlier points and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and authority to a back four.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has established himself as a leader in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings during matches is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.