Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush expecting difficult test against Liverpool | OneFootball

Manchester City forwards Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush are expecting Liverpool to put up a tough fight at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.

City have 10 wins in their last 13 games in all competitions and can cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to four points with three points over Arne Slot’s men after the Gunners were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland on Saturday.

Guardiola and co have embarked upon a new era under director of football Hugo Viana, who conducted open heart surgery of the Manchester City first-team squad in his first summer at the Etihad Stadium after replacing long-serving executive Txiki Begiristain.

The Blues can maintain their fine run of form with a monumental three points against title holders Liverpool on Sunday, though City attackers Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush are expecting as difficult a test as they come against the Reds.

“They (Liverpool) are the champions, they are playing with the gold badge on their sleeve, so it’s going to be a difficult game,” said Haaland in an interview with Manchester City’s official channels ahead of Sunday’s six-pointer.

“They (Liverpool) spent a lot of money in the summer so what can you say? I don’t think they have many weaknesses,” the Norwegian, who has been in sensational scoring form for Manchester City this season, added.

Marmoush has started to show signs of encouragement in pulling his own weight in attack since his return from injury in the last month, with the Egypt international also not getting ahead of himself as City look to welcome a Liverpool side who have been in indifferent form in recent months.

“Very important match (against Liverpool). They’re the ones who won the league, they’re among the teams fighting for the title. So they’re one of the teams we must beat,” Marmoush said in conversation with Manchester City’s official channels.

“Liverpool and Arsenal, many strong teams, but these are the decisive matches – win, you stay on the right track. With every match you win, you move closer to the top.”

The game on Sunday will see Marmoush come up against his compatriot and Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest forwards in the Premier League history.

“Playing against Salah is a big thing; two Egyptians in the Premier League, competing for the title, but I hope Manchester City win,” Marmoush added.

“We try keep things separate in the National Team –  we always joke, create an atmosphere away from football. Our whole lives revolve around football, so when we go to our national team and still talk about football with friends, we try have fun, talk (about) other topics.

“I feel people are proud to see two Egyptians in the Premier League, for two of the best clubs in the world. Mohamed Salah, everything he’s achieved, the history he’s written and continues to write, I feel fans are proud of both.

“When a match like this (Manchester City vs Liverpool) comes, their happiness in two Egyptians on the pitch means a lot. Whoever wins is who was successful on the day, and his team, because you don’t play alone. Everyone supports their team, favourite club, and that’s what makes the difference but I’m sure fans support both.”

Haaland will be key for City if they are to pip one of their main title rivals. “We need to be ready (for Liverpool), it’s not going to be easy,” the 25-year-old said, as quoted by PA.

“The competition between Manchester City and Liverpool has been amazing in previous years, pushing each other to get better, fighting for the title. It’s going to be difficult, we need to be at our best.”

While Haaland is more or less a guaranteed starter for Manchester City, it remains to be seen whether Marmoush in named in the starting XI by Guardiola after Jeremy Doku’s five-star performance on the left wing against Borussia Dortmund in midweek.