Pep Guardiola claims Erling Haaland is better than Alexander Isak as he insists he wouldn't swap Man City's goal-machine 'for anyone'

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has hailed his new signing and Premier League record transfer Alexander Isak as "maybe the best striker in the world" but Guardiola believes his own forward Haaland is better than the Sweden hitman and every other striker on the planet.

Guardiola told a press conference: "Erling is a little bit above. Isak is an exceptional player. But you asked me about Erling and he is top. Isak must be a top player because of what they paid. It's a game of opinions. Another one would say [Kylian] Mbappe, [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo]… I wouldn’t change Erling for anyone. I know him. I like him."

Haaland has scored three goals already this season although he missed several big chances in City's last outing against Brighton as Guardiola's side slid to their second defeat in three matches. The striker, however, is in frightening form ahead of the derby against Manchester United on Sunday, having scored five times in one match for Norway against Moldova and getting the only goal - from the penalty spot - against Finland.

City will be without striker Omar Marmoush against United after he picked up a knee injury in action for Egypt, while Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri are also out and John Stones is doubtful. Phil Foden, however, has recovered in time for the derby.

City have made their worst start to a season in 21 years and have already fallen six points behind reigning champions Liverpool in the title race. Guardiola admitted that his side were having some teething problems after changing 10 players over the summer but he believes his side will click into gear soon enough. "At any club there is always changes and when you change 10 players in four five months everything needs to be settled, fixed and consistent," he said. "We are still doing many [good] things but we still need to be more consistent than we have been, but step-by-step we will do it."