Liverpool and Man City Clash: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Sunday afternoon brings the Premier League weekend to a thrilling close as Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield in what promises to be an explosive encounter.
What was once an intense and frequently pivotal championship battle has diminished in importance this season due to Liverpool's sharp downturn and City's erratic performances. Arsenal looks poised to disrupt the Premier League title monopoly these two clubs have maintained since 2018, though Guardiola's squad still maintains championship aspirations.
The Reds approach Sunday's match with renewed confidence following back-to-back goal-heavy victories at home. After a challenging start to the calendar year, commanding 6–0 and 4–1 triumphs against Qarabağ and Newcastle United have boosted morale. Nevertheless, Liverpool faces a challenging quest to secure their Champions League qualification—realistically requiring a top-five league position or European tournament victory.
City maintains slim hopes of adding to Arsenal's troubles, but their stumble against Tottenham last weekend highlights their decline over recent months. Despite holding a two-goal advantage and appearing comfortable, they faltered to a disappointing 2–2 stalemate that leaves them trailing Arsenal by six points. They did manage to bounce back midweek, securing their spot in the Carabao Cup final—where they'll face the Gunners.
Regrettably for the Citizens, their dismal Anfield record presents a sobering reality. They've managed just one victory at this ground since 2004—achieved in an empty stadium during the COVID-19 restrictions—and must overcome historical patterns to maintain their Arsenal pursuit.
Here's Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this marquee matchup.
What Time Does Liverpool vs. Man City Kick Off?
What Time Does Liverpool vs. Man City Kick Off?
Liverpool vs. Man City Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Liverpool vs. Man City Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Liverpool (WWLWD) | Man City (WDWWL) |
|---|---|
Liverpool 4–1 Newcastle | Man City 3–1 Newcatsle |
Liverpool 6–0 Qarabağ | Tottenham 2–2 Man City |
Bournemouth 3–2 Liverpool | Man City 2–0 Galatasaray |
Marseille 0–3 Liverpool | Man City 2–0 Wolves |
Liverpool 1–1 Burnley | Bodø/Glimt 3–1 Man City |
How to Watch Liverpool vs. Man City on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Liverpool vs. Man City on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra |
United States | Peacock |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada |
Mexico | Max Mexico |
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool Team News
Manager Arne Slot has expressed "modest optimism" regarding Joe Gomez's potential weekend involvement, though he's dismissed any possibility of the injury-susceptible defender starting. Gomez has been absent since the 3–2 loss to Bournemouth.
Jeremie Frimpong remains unavailable for the Reds and joins long-term casualty Conor Bradley on the treatment table. Dominik Szoboszlai appears set to continue his right-back duties against the Citizens.
Giovanni Leoni continues his defensive absence, but Ibrahima Konaté made a heartfelt return to the starting eleven last weekend, even finding the net in the Newcastle victory.
Alexander Isak continues his recovery from a fractured leg, while prospects Jayden Danns and Stefan Bajčetić remain sidelined.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Liverpool expected lineup vs. Man City (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.
Man City Team News
Man City Team News
Rúben Dias returned to the bench midweek for the Newcastle United victory, with Guardiola confirming his potential Sunday involvement. John Stones has also resumed full training but will be gradually reintroduced.
Guardiola indicated that Bernardo Silva's Merseyside trip availability requires a late assessment, while significant absences persist throughout the City roster.
Joško Gvardiol is unavailable defensively, Mateo Kovačić in the midfield, and Savinho plus Jérémy Doku on the flanks, with the latter representing a particularly notable loss given his outstanding reverse fixture performance.
Marc Guéhi was ineligible midweek due to Carabao Cup restrictions but will return at Anfield against the club he nearly joined last summer. Guardiola has indicated uncertainty about whether Erling Haaland will spearhead the attack over Omar Marmoush, though the Norwegian is anticipated to participate.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
Man City expected lineup vs. Liverpool (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, O'Reilly; Rodri; Semenyo, Reijnders, Foden, Cherki; Haaland.
Liverpool vs. Man City Score Prediction
Liverpool vs. Man City Score Prediction
Forecasting which iteration of these teams will appear on Sunday proves nearly impossible, as neither has consistently risen to major occasions. Nevertheless, with both defensive units struggling and attacking forces flourishing, expect an engaging, goal-filled spectacle.
Liverpool should possess additional energy reserves having enjoyed an unusual midweek break, and they feature two exceptionally in-form talents in Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké. Their defensive unit, however, remains their primary weakness.
City showed marked improvement midweek following their second-half Tottenham meltdown, and Guardiola possesses remarkable squad depth for weekend selection. Yet, similar to Liverpool, he'll hesitate to rely on his defensive stability.