Guardiola eyes big response to Blues' mauling in Madrid TIHA

Pep targeting return to winning ways against 'biggest rival'

- By GEORGE SMITH

MANCHESTER City will be targeting a return to winning ways when they welcome Premier League leaders Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium today.

City, who were beaten 2-0 by the Merseyside outfit when they met at Anfield earlier this season, exited the Champions League in midweek, losing 3-1 to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. It meant they lost their playoff round tie 6-3 on aggregate.

Alongside attempting to win the FA Cup, City must now focus on securing a top-four finish and Champions League qualification for next season. Pep Guardiola will want to see a response from his players after they produced such an uninspiring display in Spain.

Ahead of the clash with Arne Slot's side, Guardiola has confirmed striker Erling Haaland is in contention to be involved, but John Stones is the latest addition to the injury list and may require surgery.

Leading marksman Haaland played no part in Madrid after suffering a knee injury in last Saturday's 4-0 win over Newcastle United. Guardiola admitted during his pre-match press conference on Friday that a late check will be made on the Norwegian's availability for the visit of Arne Slot's team.