Man City have told Liverpool FC how they could set up without Erling Haaland

It's looking increasingly likely that Manchester City will have to beat Liverpool without Erling Haaland on Saturday.

Haaland was 'touch-and-go' last week, according to his father, and the fact that he doesn't appear to have trained on Wednesday or Thursday has decreased the likelihood of him playing against Liverpool. Of course, he could have been working away from cameras to deceive Liverpool, and may be fit to play.

If he is fully fit, however, he would surely be training in the build-up to such an important game. At this stage, it might not be a surprise to see Haaland missing from the City squad completely.

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If he is missing, it would be a double blow given that Phil Foden is definitely out, too. Foden has enjoyed some fine games against Liverpool in recent years, while Haaland has eight goals in his last two games and 42 in total this season. He would significantly boost City's chances.

Without them, City will have to revert to their back-up plan, only seen eight times this season when Haaland has been unavailable or rested. This would be the biggest game by some distance without Haaland, though.

Each time the Norwegian hasn't started, Julian Alvarez has taken his place, and would be the logical replacement. Given his own good form, and the fact that he is the only remaining striker in the squad, Alvarez would feel disappointed not to get the nod.

In fact, in the eight games where Alvarez has started without Haaland, he has four goals and three assists, with City losing just once and winning six times. The only time City lost without Haaland was the Carabao Cup reverse at Southampton, when the whole side - including