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Manchester City: Scout Report for Liverpool’s Test

 

 

Strengths

Manchester City continue to pose a major threat under Pep Guardiola thanks to their elite ability to control games. According to recent data, City average around 57% possession and create roughly 1.63 expected goals (xG) per match in the 2025/26 Premier League — numbers that underline their attacking richness and dominance. 

Their key attacking weapon remains Erling Haaland, who is in blistering form. With his physicality, precision finishing, and ability to punish tiny defensive mistakes, he represents one of the most dangerous forwards in world football. Liverpool’s central defenders will need to be sharp.

City also display tactical flexibility: when in possession, their full-backs invert into midfield and the attack becomes fluid — a 4-3-3 shape that morphs into 3-2-5 when pressing. 

 

Weaknesses

Despite their quality, City show clear vulnerabilities. They have conceded more transitional goals than in previous seasons, and their high defensive line can be exposed — something Liverpool could exploit. As one publication put it, “City must be more resilient” after their recent poor form in key fixtures. 

Injuries have also chipped away at their depth. Competition for places is intense, but wear and tear combined with fixture congestion is showing. Moreover, against teams who sit deep and resist City’s rhythms, they sometimes struggle to break through — giving Liverpool a potential route.

 

 

Tactical Patterns

City’s typical match starts with patient control: they dominate possession, build from the back, and probe for weaknesses. Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden tend to support the No. 9, while full-backs push high to create overloads. This often forces opponents into narrow shapes, which City exploit with quick vertical passes. 

Defensively, City press in waves but rely on positional discipline when pressed by heavy opposition sets. Their high line and inverted full-backs create instability if the press is bypassed — a vulnerability Liverpool can target with quick transitions and direct counter-attacks.

 

What Liverpool Must Prepare

• Exploit the wide channels: Given City’s tendency to compress centrally, Liverpool should use their full-backs and wingers to stretch play and isolate City’s inverted wide defenders.
• Transition quickly: With City’s high defensive line, rapid breakouts and one- or two-touch moves can create high-quality chances.
• Be resilient under pressure: Liverpool must maintain composure when City control possession. Limiting mistakes in midfield and defending in numbers will be crucial.
• Target set-pieces and second-phase shots: City’s transitions from attack to defence sometimes leave space behind their defence. Liverpool’s physical players can create value here.

 

Key Players to Watch

Erling Haaland: As mentioned, his scoring rate and poaching ability are exceptional.

Bernardo Silva / Phil Foden: Their creativity and movement are central to City’s attacking threat.

Rico Lewis: Full-backs who also contribute offensively — Liverpool must monitor their overlaps.

 

Final Thought

Manchester City remain one of the most complete sides in world football — tactically versatile, technically brilliant, and packed with match-winners. Yet, their recent vulnerabilities offer a genuine opening. For Liverpool, this is more than a fixture: it’s a chance to exploit a chink in City’s armour and reinforce their title credentials. If the Reds prepare smartly and trust their system, this could be a landmark result.

YNWA.