Alexander Isak will make his first Liverpool start since his UK record transfer from Newcastle. Erling Haaland will captain Manchester City against Manchester United. Watch Burnley v Liverpool and the Manchester derby live on Sky Sports on Sunday from 1pm.
In the photo: Alesander Isak or Erling Haaland – who would you choose?
Alexander Isak or Erling Haaland? Pep Guardiola thinks Haaland is still the best, but Arne Slot is sure he has signed the best player in Isak. Who is right?
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Slott described his new striker as “possibly the best striker in the world” but warned he would be gradually introduced into action ahead of this weekend’s clash with Burnley, which will be shown live on Sky Sports, after a disappointing pre-season. He may well start on the bench given his lack of game time during the drawn-out move from the North East, but when he does feature there will be excitement.
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot discusses Alexander Isak's fitness and whether the club will return to Marc Guehi in the future.
Where does Haaland fit into the pecking order? That was the question Guardiola was asked during his press conference ahead of the Manchester City-Manchester United match, which was also broadcast live on Sky Sports on Super Sunday.
“A little higher,” he said of his striker.
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“I already answered this question: Isak is an exceptional player. Erling is the best striker.
Of course, Isak should be a top player for the money they paid. Obviously. Another will say Mbappe, another Messi or Cristiano. That's normal. It's a game of opinions. Everyone has their own right.
“I say I wouldn't trade Erling for anyone. Because I know him, and to be an incredible player you also have to be a charming person. And I like him.”
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Manchester City's Pep Guardiola and Arsenal's Mikel Arteta have reacted to Liverpool and title rivals Alexander Isak's signing.
Isak or Haaland – Sky Sports journalists on which player they would like to see in their team…
“Isak brings soft jazz into our lives”
Patrick Rowe from Sky Sports:
Two excellent scorers, both around 190cm tall, but their playing styles are separated by a gulf.
Haaland's threat comes from his sheer dominance of the physical aspects of the game. He is faster, stronger and more aggressive than most. In-your-face football. He is a defence-busting player at his best.
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Isak's approach, meanwhile, is more subtle. A technical player who can involve others in the game with his eye for a pass and who can glide past opponents with the ball at his feet rather than bursting through space.
Heavy metal versus soft jazz. Your preference for two elite strikers depends on what you expect from football.
Personally, I would put Isak ahead of Haaland. When it rains, he scores goals, but when the rain stops, it's important to consider the other aspects of the game that Isak has.
Data says Isak, heart says Haaland
Lewis Jones from Sky Sports:
You can be forgiven for finding this debate difficult to assess.
A quick look at the goals per 90 figures comparing the two strikers shows how close they have been since the start of last season. However, the numbers clearly show that Isak is the more all-round player, with his passing accuracy, chance creation and dribbles all outperforming Haaland.
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But who would you want in goal if your life depended on it? In that regard, it would definitely be Haaland.
Isak's all-round play wins
William Bitibiri from Sky Sports:
Roy Keane once said that Erling Haaland plays in partnerships like a Ligue 2 player. The same cannot be said for Alexander Isak, who obviously has the full range of qualities.
The Swedish striker's versatility surpasses Haaland's game. Isak is capable of scoring any goal, creates a threat to the opponent, knows how to link the game and has the ability to beat a defender one-on-one.
Haaland's eye for goal and movement have brought him great success since arriving in these parts and his goalscoring record is the envy of strikers across the league, but there is no doubt the Norwegian will be keeping an eye on Isak in the hopes that he can match his attributes.
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Manchester City's Erling Haaland discusses his international ambitions with Norway and his time in the Premier League after reaching 100 appearances.
Numbers Game: Haaland Ahead
Samuel Cohen of Sky Sports:
I think Haaland is the best player overall.
Isak is a fantastically talented player, but Haaland's stats at a 'big six' club speak for themselves.
His pace, power and world-class finishing make him one of the most feared strikers in world football. Haaland loves the big moment and has already broken records in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Isak brings something new. More style and finesse, often dropping deeper to connect, almost like Harry Kane. He is technically brilliant and a joy to watch, but right now Haaland's consistency and ability to produce great performances week in and week out puts him a little ahead.
Haaland has an elite mentality
Laura Hunter from Sky Sports:
There are many things I'm not so sure about. Haaland certainly needs better players to become a goal-scoring machine. But you have to look at the facts. Haaland scores goals longer and more efficiently. You can't argue with the numbers.
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I like Isak as a player in general. He scores great goals and creates even more. But in beast mode, Haaland is simply unstoppable. His physicality and threat in goal surpasses any striker, including Isak.
He may not be the prettiest – Isak wins the style debate – but I’d bet on him scoring in any game, no matter the pressure. And he has an elite mentality – Isak’s antics this summer make me wonder if the same can be said of him.
Watch Burnley v Liverpool live on Sky Sports Premier League on Sunday from 1pm, kick-off 2pm, plus Manchester City v Manchester United, kick-off 4.30pm.
Sourse: skysports.com
