Man City ace Nathan Ake warns Virgil van Dijk but wary of Liverpool

Nathan Ake says Manchester City must be on their guard against a Liverpool side who could explode back into life at any moment. Liverpool have had a poor start to their Premier League campaign, dropping 14 points in eight games.

But Ake warned against any feeling of superiority going into the weekend’s clash at Anfield given their pedigree and the undoubted quality in their ranks. “I have always got the feeling that at one point they can just bounce back because they have a quality manager and all the players are quality,” said Ake.

“They have shown that over the years. I think they can deal with setbacks and I expect them to come back. Sunday is no different to any other game and we want to win but it will be a tough place to go.

“It is never easy to go there so we have to make sure we are in a good place.” City are certainly in a good space heading into the clash – unbeaten all season in the league and in Europe.

They remain a point behind Arsenal in second place in the table but already 13 points ahead of Liverpool who sit tenth. But a rush of games has seen several of their players struggling with the schedule.

And some key players were rested for the start of the Champions League clash in Copenhagen on Tuesday including red-hot striker Erling Haaland. Ake is hoping Haaland is fit to face Liverpool and he said if the Norwegian is, he could be about to give his Netherlands team-mate Virgil Van Dijk a few headaches.

“Van Dijk has been so good for so many years. For me he is still one of the best defenders in the world and he keeps showing that,” said the City defender.

“But getting Erling Haaland fit is very important to us. Everyone knows how important he is for the team and I’m sure he will do everything to be ready for the game.

“I think he is feeling okay. Everyone wants to do well. Now everyone is a bit tired after the game but in the next few days we will see how it goes.”

City will be without John Stones and Kyle Walker but Liverpool have concerns with Luis Diaz, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold now missing for the visit of Pep Guardiola’s men after picking up injuries against Arsenal.