Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Elliott Jackson

Jamie Carragher hints at the one tactical change Man City boss Pep Guardiola could make against Liverpool

Reds legend Jamie Carragher has hinted that Pep Guardiola could revert to a back three formation for Manchester City's clash against Liverpool .

The Premier League champions head to Anfield trailing the league-leaders by six points.

It's a top-of-the-table clash that many are claiming could be decisive in the title race come May.

While some have described it as a must-win game for City , most have argued it's more important they don't lose at Anfield.

Given City's injury problems, particularly in defence, with Aymeric Laporte, Leroy Sane, David Silva, Rodri and Ederson all ruled out of the match, Guardiola will be keen to find a solution to protect his vulnerable back-line.

Fernandinho has operated as a make-shift centre-back with John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi having struggled with form and fitness.

Having tinkered with his usual 4-3-3 system at Anfield in the past, ex-Liverpool defender Carragher has hinted Guardiola could opt for a back three on Sunday to try and offer more protection to his defence.

"Guardiola hasn’t played three at the back for a long time," Carragher told Sky Sports.

"He did it recently in the second-leg of a Champions League game but he did that to get more attacking players on the pitch rather than being more defensive.

"He certainly changed his system when they went to Anfield last season and was more conservative.

"He didn’t want his fullbacks flying forward that day and in some ways they should’ve gone on to win the game.

"We’ve seen in his interviews that he spoke about playing certain ways and how you have to adapt for certain games like going to Anfield.

"I think there will be something different, we don’t know what.

"That is why he is such a special coach, you can never read him.

"I do think that Ederson being out is a massive blow and that’s one where you can’t do something different tactically."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.