Manchester City face Liverpool this weekend and manager Pep Guardiola says he is “relishing” the challenge of facing the Reds as both clubs prepare for a potentially defining Premier League showdown at the Etihad Stadium.
The two sides, long-time rivals at the top of English football, meet on Sunday in a contest that could have early implications in the title race.
City come into the fixture on the back of a commanding midweek display in Europe, where they swept aside Borussia Dortmund. Jeremy Doku, who impressed in that victory, believes the team are on course for what he calls the “perfect week.”
Phil Foden starred with two goals in the Champions League tie, while Rayan Cherki added his name to the scoresheet with his first goal for the club in the competition.
Erling Haaland, facing his former side, also found the net to continue his remarkable scoring streak. The result followed a comfortable 3-1 league win over Bournemouth, giving City momentum heading into Sunday’s clash.
For Doku, the message is clear: City want to keep their winning run intact before the international break.
Speaking to in a post match interview, the Belgian winger said: “Winning that [against Liverpool] would make it a perfect week before the international break. We have to rest well, recover well and prepare well for them.”
Doku also took a moment to praise Haaland, who reached another milestone with his latest Champions League goal – one that Doku assisted.
“In terms of numbers, Erling is unbelievable,” he said. “Tonight he scored just one goal but he is so much more than goals and assists for us. He provides so much and is so important.”
The Norwegian striker’s consistency continues to set new standards. While his record-breaking numbers have dominated headlines, his all-round influence — from pressing defenders to linking up with teammates — has drawn equal praise from within the club.
With confidence high, Doku’s focus now turns to Liverpool, a side he admits demand full concentration. The visitors, who defeated Real Madrid in Europe earlier this week, will have had an extra day to rest. Yet, City’s belief, built on back-to-back home wins, remains unwavering.
Guardiola ready to face Liverpool
Guardiola, meanwhile, is bracing for what he expects to be another intense contest between the two Premier League powerhouses.
The Spaniard has often spoken of his admiration for Liverpool’s competitive spirit and consistency over the years — a rivalry that has defined much of the modern Premier League era.
“They arrive with confidence after Villa and Madrid, and we arrive with confidence,” Guardiola said.
“They’re our biggest rival in the last nine years. So now tomorrow training, one day off, recover and prepare for the game.”
The City boss made it clear that he expects a high-quality encounter, one that will demand focus and precision from his players.
“It’s a pleasure to face them, our fans know how much it means and hopefully we can do a good game,” he added.
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Liverpool’s resurgence under Arne Slot has reignited the competitive edge between the two clubs. After enduring a poor run of form that saw them lose four consecutive league matches, the Reds appear revitalised, with their attacking fluency returning at just the right time.
City, however, have looked equally sharp in recent outings. Foden’s return to top form has eased the scoring load on Haaland, while Cherki’s emergence provides Guardiola with fresh attacking depth.
The manager’s challenge now lies in maintaining balance — rotating his squad effectively while keeping intensity levels high.
Manchester City face Liverpool at a time the Premier League table begins to take shape, both clubs are aware that any slip-up could allow Arsenal to extend their lead at the top. Sunday’s match, therefore, carries extra significance beyond the usual rivalry.
