The psychological warfare of the Premier League has reached a fever pitch. In a classic deflection tactic, Pep Guardiola has labeled Erling Haaland the "best striker in the world" while simultaneously refusing to confirm if the Norwegian sharpshooter will start in Sunday’s title-defining clash against Liverpool.

This is not just a manager backing his player; it is a calculated maneuver to mask a deepening crisis at the Etihad. Haaland, the man who once made scoring look as easy as breathing, is currently suffocating under the weight of his own standards. With only two goals in his last 12 appearances, the "Terminator" looks mortal, and his dip in form has dragged Manchester City six points adrift of leaders Arsenal. Guardiola’s refusal to confirm his starting XI is a clear signal that he is weighing the unthinkable: dropping his talisman for the biggest game of the season.

The Statistics of a Slump

The numbers paint a grim picture for the City faithful. Haaland’s current run is his driest spell since arriving in England, a stark contrast to the blistering start of the season where he netted 19 goals in 14 games. The drop-off has coincided with City’s collective stutter, leaving them vulnerable in a title race that demands perfection. Guardiola’s benching of Haaland during the midweek League Cup win over Newcastle was a warning shot—no one is untouchable.

"I don\t know until tomorrow," Guardiola told reporters when pressed on Haaland’s involvement at Anfield. "But all I say is Erling is the best. Erling is the best striker in the world." It is a paradox: if he is the best, why is his name not the first on the team sheet? The answer lies in the tactical fluidity Guardiola craves, something Haaland’s rigid "target man" profile occasionally disrupts.

• The Anfield Factor: Haaland scored in the 3-0 win over Liverpool earlier this season, but Anfield remains a fortress where City often crumble psychologically.
• The Arsenal Gap: With Arsenal six points clear, a loss on Sunday could effectively end City’s title defense, making the team selection a career-defining call for Pep.
• The Contract Subplot: Amidst the tactical noise, Guardiola casually brushed aside exit rumors, reminding the press he has one year left, a subtle flex of stability in a chaotic week.

A Tactical Chess Match

Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be watching this development with keen interest. The uncertainty complicates his defensive preparations. Does he prepare for the physical battering ram of Haaland, or the fluid, false-nine system that Guardiola might deploy in his absence? By keeping his cards close to his chest, Guardiola is attempting to win the battle before a ball is kicked.

Furthermore, Guardiola’s comments extended beyond football, doubling down on his empathy for conflict victims in Palestine, Ukraine, and Sudan. It was a reminder that the Spaniard operates on a different frequency, blending high-stakes sport with a global worldview. But come Sunday, the world will only care about one thing: is the "best striker in the world" on the pitch, or is he watching from the sidelines as City’s crown slips away?

The Verdict

For Kenyan fans glued to their screens this weekend, the narrative is irresistible. The seemingly invincible robot is malfunctioning, and the mad genius manager is tinkering with the controls. Whether this is a masterstroke or a meltdown remains to be seen, but the uncertainty alone has already made this the most anticipated fixture of 2026.