The Athletic FC Podcast The Preview: Liverpool vs Man City
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Feb 6, 2026 
Jay Harris, seasoned football reporter and commentator, and Mark Carey, tactical and data-driven analyst, preview Liverpool vs Man City. They discuss Liverpool’s approaches to low blocks and counter transitions. City’s second-half issues and squad integration are explored. They also touch on title pressure, emerging forwards, defensive tweaks and key weekend fixtures.
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Consider Marmouch Alongside Haaland
- Guardiola could pair Haaland with Marmouch to vary attacks and aid Haaland's dip.
- Mark Carey prefers Marmouch alongside Haaland to offer different movement and partnership options.
Cherki Adds Creative Spark To City
- Rayan Cherki has been a standout creative signing for City, offering chance-creation rates similar to top midfielders.
- Jay Harris praises Cherki as one of the season's best signings for his unpredictability and two-footedness.
Tuck Fullback In To Add Central Presence
- Use Soboslai at right-back to add midfield control rather than pure overlapping width.
- Mark Carey suggests Soboslai can tuck inside to provide an extra central body against City's packed middle.