Paul Merson believes Liverpool will beat Manchester City on Super Sunday if Mohamed Salah plays.
The Reds host Pep Guardiola’s side at Anfield on Sunday in a top-of-the-table clash in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently at the top of the table on 63 points, just one point ahead of City and two points above Arsenal.
Salah has made just two appearances for Liverpool in 2024 and has not started a game since New Year’s Day. International duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations combined with a muscle injury has restricted his involvement so far this year.
However, the forward has been included in the Liverpool squad for Thursday’s Europa League tie in Prague, increasing his chances of facing City this weekend. And Merson believes that for the Reds to have a chance of coming out on top, Salah needs to play.
“Mohamed Salah gives Liverpool their X-factor and they’ll beat Man City on Sunday if he plays,” he told Sky Sports.
“Without him, I don’t see how Liverpool are going to hurt City on a consistent basis. With Salah, they’ll get after Man City and put them under severe pressure by closing down high up the pitch.
“He is one of the best players in the world and takes chances – Liverpool will get enough chances to win if Salah plays. He carries that fear factor too and will make Man City think. They’ll nick the win with him.
“If Man City win it then Arsenal will be thinking they have to avoid defeat at the Etihad. Arsenal might want Liverpool to win this game rather than City.
“Man City look like they’re playing 12 or 13 players every week. Their patience is unbelievable. The way they keep the ball and don’t force it.
“They wait and wait for a chance. There’s such an art in that. I’ve seen City at Anfield too many times and it’s a hard place to go when it’s bouncing, but Salah has to play for Liverpool to win this game.”
