Merson delivers worrying Liverpool verdict before Man City clash
It’s shaping up to be one of the biggest games of our season, but not everyone is convinced Liverpool will come through it.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
Paul Merson has delivered his verdict ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final clash with Manchester City, and while he admits it’s a tough one to call, he’s ultimately backing Pep Guardiola’s side to edge it.
Merson questions Liverpool consistency before Man City clash
Writing via Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal midfielder pointed to our inconsistency as the key issue heading into this tie.
He said: “Consistency is non-existent at Liverpool. So it will come down to what version of Liverpool will turn up in this game at the Etihad on Saturday.”
That’s hard to argue with given recent results, because we followed an impressive win over Galatasaray with a disappointing defeat to Brighton, a pattern that has frustrated supporters throughout the campaign.
Merson also warned about the bigger picture, adding: “Liverpool have a big week or two coming up. If they are not careful, their season could be all over!”
That context is important, because while City are fully focused on this competition, we’ve got Paris Saint-Germain coming up in the Champions League just days later.
Salah return could be key but City still backed
The pundit did acknowledge that Mo Salah could play a decisive role if he returns to the starting line-up.
He said: “Mohamed Salah should return to the line-up for this game… he will do something magical before he leaves Liverpool. That performance is surely around the corner!”
Even so, despite recognising the attacking threat we carry, Merson still leaned towards the hosts, predicting: “This could go any way, but I’m backing Manchester City simply because of how inconsistent Liverpool have been this season. Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool.”
It’s a view that contrasts slightly with Arne Slot’s own outlook, with the Dutchman recently insisting: “We’ve shown so many times this season that we can be a very good team… but we’ve also shown… that we look vulnerable.”
That balance between quality and fragility is exactly what will define this tie, because if we hit our level, we can beat anyone, but if we don’t, Merson’s prediction could end up being spot on.
City only have the FA Cup to play for, whilst Liverpool know Champions League dreams for this season and next (which have just been made easier) will remain our real priority.
The post Merson delivers worrying Liverpool verdict before Man City clash appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.