Overview
- Manchester City thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-1 as Phil Foden scored twice and Erling Haaland added another, though Pep Guardiola rebuked Jeremy Doku over a defensive lapse and Rodri’s status remains uncertain after a recent hamstring issue.
- Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 at Anfield, with Alexis Mac Allister noting the win “does not mean anything” under the Champions League’s Swiss-model format despite the performance boost.
- With Arsenal leading the league, a City loss could leave them nine points back and a Liverpool defeat could push the gap to 10, with Arsenal visiting Sunderland on Saturday before the Etihad match.
- Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is considering Florian Wirtz as a false nine for Sunday, with Hugo Ekitike the frontrunner to start up front as an update on Alexander Isak’s groin injury is expected Friday and any involvement is likely limited.
- Transfer notes: Reports citing TEAMtalk say Aston Villa intend to extend Morgan Rogers’ contract with a £100m release clause, which could deter suitors including clubs linked with the winger.