Exclusive: Shaun Goater says this key Guardiola decision could decide Man City vs Liverpool

The Manchester City great thinks we’ll see an entertaining affair at the Etihad this weekend.
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Shaun Goater has said he’s expecting an open, attacking game when Manchester City host Liverpool on Sunday.

The two sides head into Sunday’s clash just one point apart in the Premier League, and have both returned from the international break with consecutive victories.

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Given how rarely either side slip up - between them, they’ve lost just five league games all season - Sunday’s crucial game could go a long way in deciding where the ultimately title ends up.

Manchester City and Liverpool will meet twice in the space of a week, with the FA Cup semi-final taking place next weekend. Credit: Getty.Manchester City and Liverpool will meet twice in the space of a week, with the FA Cup semi-final taking place next weekend. Credit: Getty.
Manchester City and Liverpool will meet twice in the space of a week, with the FA Cup semi-final taking place next weekend. Credit: Getty.

A City victory would see them move four points clear at the top of the table, while a Liverpool win would put them in the driving seat for the first time since the opening months of the season.

The Merseyside club approach the match on the back of an 11-game winning streak in the league, and speaking exclusively to ManchesterWorld ahead of the fixture, Goater is fully aware of the threat Jurgen Klopp’s side pose.

“It’s going to be fiery,” the former City striker said. “City like to dominate the ball, like to build it up from the back. Liverpool love to press. City have to be brave and do what they do.

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“Liverpool love to win the ball high and have players in [Roberto] Firmino, [Diogo] Jota, [Sadio] Mane and [Mohamed] Salah, who are exciting players. When they’re getting balls in and around the final third, they can worry any team.”

Goater scored 103 goals for City in 168 appearances. Credit: Getty.Goater scored 103 goals for City in 168 appearances. Credit: Getty.
Goater scored 103 goals for City in 168 appearances. Credit: Getty.

Full-backs could be key

Often these high-stakes matches can result in tight contests where both sides are more concerned about not losing than taking risks to claim the three points.

But Goater doesn’t expect that to be the case on Sunday given how Pep Guardiola and Klopp have both approached games this season.

In particular, the 52-year-old feels City’s full-backs could have a huge impact on how the game pans out, and Goater thinks they will push higher up the pitch and stretch the game.

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Asked if he can see it being a game light on goal-mouth action, Goater responded: “No, it won’t be. It’s the two teams that score the most goals and have the best records for clean sheets.

“I cannot see it being tight, because with City, it’s only if he [Guardiola] restricts the full-backs. I’ve seen Pep do that before and restrict the full-backs and make it a close game because he’s being conscious of their attack.

“But because we’re at home, I think he won’t do that. I think he’ll look for a different tactic so that we maintain the ball and are creative, while being aware of Liverpool on the counter-attack. They are a quality team.”