Van Dijk vs Haaland: A Shadow of Past Duels?

The Premier League rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City, a defining fixture of recent seasons, finds both clubs in less dominant positions this year. Liverpool is no longer in contention for the title, while Manchester City's inconsistent form has allowed Arsenal to surge ahead. Consequently, Sunday's encounter at Anfield carries diminished championship significance.

Despite the altered landscape, the match remains critical. Liverpool aims to secure Champions League qualification and gain revenge for a previous defeat, while Manchester City seeks to keep pace with Arsenal. Key individual duels are expected to heavily influence the game's outcome.

Virgil van Dijk and Erling Haaland, once a frequently hyped matchup, face each other as both players are not performing at their previous levels. Van Dijk's defensive errors have been uncharacteristic this season, exacerbated by fatigue, while Haaland's goal-scoring rate has decreased significantly since the start of 2026.

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool's recent £116 million signing, faces a stern test against City's midfield enforcer Rodri. After a slow start, Wirtz has shown improvement with goals and assists, but delivering against a strong opponent like Rodri will be crucial for his validation on the big stage.

Another significant contest will be between Liverpool's Hugo Ekitiké, who has impressed with his pace and goal-scoring, and Manchester City's Marc Guéhi. Guéhi, who nearly joined Liverpool last summer, will aim to contain the in-form Ekitiké.