Pep Guardiola already knows Erling Haaland solution should Man City star miss out vs Liverpool

How to replace Haaland?

With Erling Haaland a major doubt, Manchester City have to make a decision. Risk their striker back, if that is possible, to try and field as strong a side as they can against Liverpool - or give him more time to be ready for more important fixtures coming up later in the month? There's no right answer, but surely Haaland's long-term fitness comes first, even if Pep Guardiola suggested he may take a risk on his star striker's fitness.

And City have plenty of players to come in for Haaland, and also the absent Phil Foden. A front three of Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez seems likely, with Kevin De Bruyne behind plus one of Bernardo Silva or Ilkay Gundogan. Alvarez has started nine games without Haaland this season, with City losing just once, and Alvarez scoring or assisting seven goals. The Argentine started the World Cup final as the lone striker and has plenty to offer.

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'The Best Kevin' is back

After public challenges from Pep Guardiola to Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian responded with two brilliant performances before the international break against RB Leipzig and Burnley. Then awarded the Belgium captaincy, he recorded two assists and a goal against Germany to continue his 'comeback' from a period where he wasn't at his best.

Guardiola reckons De Bruyne is showing signs of his top form, saying: "I'd love to see Kevin in the same level he did against Leipzig, and Burnley and with the national team. It’s the best Kevin for a while so hopefully he can maintain it until the end of the season. His mood is really good. And when he is in his level, Kevin is an extraordinary player."

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