Pep Guardiola appears to have his team in prime form ahead of Anfield trip | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola appears to have his Manchester City squad primed for Sunday’s trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. Another big game looms for the world champions and they appear to have as close to a perfect build-up as possible in the lead-up to Sunday’s match.

If Pep Guardiola could’ve written a script for last night’s 3-1 win over FC Copenhagen it likely would have included putting the Champions Round of 16 tie to bed early. His team delivered that with goals from Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez giving City an unassailable aggregate lead inside the opening 10 minutes. FC Copenhagen did however pull a goal back on the half-hour mark and briefly threatened to find a way back into the game in the first half. But an Erling Haaland goal on the stroke of halftime ended the tie. It was almost the perfect half for the European champions.

Manchester City rested some of their key players with an eye on what comes next

The City manager finally had a chance with his team effectively through to the Champions League quarter-finals at halftime to rest several key players. Rodri was substituted at the interval as the rare chance to rest City’s midfield general presented itself. Ruben Dias was taken off with 20 minutes to go to be saved for the battles ahead. Erling Haaland got through 88 minutes as he got more minutes into his legs after his two-month injury layoff. City’s number 9 will head to Anfield with 7 goals in his last 3 appearances with a huge game looming.

A plethora of key players also got rest after their 3-1 derby win over Manchester United. That could be vital on top of the other positives from City’s win last night. Manchester City know what they are up against at Anfield on Sunday. They appear primed for what comes this weekend based on what transpired at the Etihad last night.

It wasn’t a perfect performance from Manchester City against FC Copenhagen last night. But it may have been the perfect display in regards to what is upcoming this weekend and for the challenges that lie ahead this season.