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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Nathan Ridley

Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp's crisis ahead of Man City as Virgil van Dijk sent message

Liverpool have the opportunity to kickstart their stuttering season when they face Manchester City in a mouthwatering Premier League clash on Sunday.

The Reds earned a confidence-boosting 7-1 win against Rangers in the Champions League on Wednesday, but now it's time for Jurgen Klopp and co to turn their attention to domestic matters.

Liverpool are already 13 points behind the reigning champions, who're the overwhelming favourites to retain the title when all is said and done in May.

But despite Klopp claiming that "nobody can compete" with the financial clout of Pep Guardiola 's side, the Reds will hope to harness the magic of their home ground once again and pull off what'd be shock result on current form.

Here's a round-up of the latest news from Anfield.

Klopp facing familiar crisis

Jurgen Klopp is having to rethink his defensive strategy ahead Sunday's visit of Manchester City.

Ibrahima Konate missed training on Friday after picking up a knock, with Joel Matip already sidelined and fourth-choice centre-back Joe Gomez covering for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

Konate partnered Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defence for Wednesday's 7-1 thrashing of Rangers, his first start of the season following a two-month spell on the sidelines.

The Reds could therefore be forced to play Fabinho or Jordan Henderson at centre-back if Klopp opts to keep Gomez out wide - just like during their ravaged 2020-21 campaign.

Read the full story.

Konate is expected to miss the Man City game (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Souness predicts Van Dijk revenge mission

Liverpool legend Graham Souness has backed Virgil van Dijk to frustrate Manchester City sensation Erling Haaland for the second time this term.

The Reds defender kept Haaland at bay during his team's 3-1 Community Shield victory over City in July and Souness reckons that performance should inspire Van Dijk to stop the 20-goal striker in his tracks after blistering run of form since.

"Irrespective of Van Dijk's form, irrespective of where Liverpool are at the moment, this is a game he should be licking his lips for," Souness wrote in his Daily Mail column.

"He's going to be playing against the guy they're all raving about. He can shut them up. Shut out all that white noise."

Read more.

Van Dijk and Haaland are set to lock horns again (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Have your say! Who'll come out on top - Haaland or Van Dijk? Join the debate in the comments section.

De Bruyne sends City pals clear warning

Kevin De Bruyne has told his Manchester City teammates that they must remember how dangerous Liverpool are - who like a wounded animal could bite back with force on Sunday.

The 31-year-old Belgian playmaker knows all too well how the Reds could use their clash with the Citizens to spark their campaign into life.

"They are a brilliant team and have the quality to hurt you at any time during a game," De Bruyne affirmed.

"Winning 7-1 away from home at Rangers in a very tough competition on Wednesday shows how dangerous they are.

"When you play against top players, they will always be a threat. But I am sure they think the same about us."

More from De Bruyne here.

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