Liverpool vs. Man City: Four Epic Showdowns That Will Determine This Title-Defining Clash
The clash between Liverpool and Manchester City has traditionally shaped seasons throughout the last ten years, yet both teams face an unusual situation this campaign.
A catastrophic title defense has eliminated Liverpool from Premier League contention while City's erratic form has enabled Arsenal to climb atop the table. Sunday's match between these rivals has consequently lost some of its luster.
Nevertheless, this encounter remains vital for both the Reds and Citizens. Liverpool continues pursuing Champions League qualification while seeking retribution for a crushing 4–1 loss at the Etihad in October, whereas City aims to maintain contact with the Gunners in the championship race.
Though not directly competing this term, this matchup will still generate excitement at Anfield as two of global football's most costly rosters clash.
Below are four critical on-pitch battles that might significantly influence Sunday's encounter.
Virgil van Dijk vs. Erling Haaland
Virgil van Dijk vs. Erling Haaland
The confrontation between Virgil van Dijk and Erling Haaland has been frequently anticipated in recent seasons, with both players proving equally matched. Few instances exist where the Liverpool center-back has completely neutralized his Norwegian adversary, or the reverse. This upcoming encounter might differ, though.
Both stars approach Sunday's match well below their individual standards. Van Dijk's concerning regression this season has contributed to Liverpool's disappointing defensive statistics, with previously rare mistakes becoming commonplace in his performances. At 34 and compelled to feature in every fixture for the Reds, exhaustion plays a role.
Haaland experienced minimal difficulties early in the season, seeming poised to surpass his own scoring milestones, but his output has been notably more restrained since January. Only three goals in 12 matches at the beginning of 2026 has seen the Scandinavian marksman fade into obscurity during an unpredictable stretch for the Citizens.
Haaland might choose to target Ibrahima Konaté on Sunday, as in previous seasons, but Van Dijk no longer possesses his former dominance and can be beaten. Likewise, the Dutchman will believe he can neutralize the City striker during one of his most barren goalscoring periods in recent times.
Milos Kerkez vs. Antoine Semenyo
Milos Kerkez vs. Antoine Semenyo
Once teammates now turned opponents, the season opener delivered the initial confrontation between Milos Kerkez and Antoine Semenyo as adversaries. Regrettably for the Liverpool left-back, it proved a humbling reunion.
Semenyo netted twice during Bournemouth's 3–1 victory at Anfield as he tormented the Hungarian, excelling with his forceful, rapid and direct runs in the attacking third. Kerkez survived only sixty minutes before substitution while already carrying a caution.
Though Kerkez has shown glimpses of progress since, the fullback's recent return to Bournemouth highlighted his defensive frailties. He was replaced at the interval having contributed to the opening goal Liverpool conceded in their 2–1 loss.
Semenyo will seek to inflict additional suffering on his former teammate this weekend having made a superb beginning in City colors following his January transfer. Five goals and two assists in seven appearances showcase the energy and assurance of the Ghana international, who was previously linked with the Reds.
Florian Wirtz vs. Rodri
Florian Wirtz vs. Rodri
"Wirtz presents difficulties. Let's be honest about it. He's problematic," Gary Neville declared following Liverpool's loss to City in October. "Today I felt Wirtz appeared like a youngster. That cannot happen."
Well, it's required considerable time, but Liverpool are now benefiting from their £125 million acquisition ($170 million). He's reached seven goals and equal assists for the Reds having been revitalized during the holiday season, with nine of those contributions arriving since New Year, and his overall performance has enhanced substantially as belief increases.
Yet, Wirtz won't be evaluated on strikes against Burnley, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Qarabağ—he must perform in crucial moments. A goal and assist versus Newcastle United indicates he's capable of being Liverpool's difference-maker on Sunday but confronts the toughest opposition.
Rodri continues seeking to recapture his Ballon d'Or-winning excellence and remains considerably below his typical elevated standards, but City's primary destroyer will challenge Wirtz with his strength and combative style. Defeating the Spaniard and his extensive experience will represent the ultimate examination of Wirtz's development.
Hugo Ekitiké vs. Marc Guéhi
Hugo Ekitiké vs. Marc Guéhi
Marc Guéhi might easily have been wearing red for this match. Had the Englishman's transfer to Anfield not fallen through at the final moment last summer, he would be attempting to stop Haaland and company on Sunday instead of playing alongside them.
Guéhi's choice to join City in February rather than await a summer switch to Merseyside means he's unlikely to receive a warm welcome on Sunday—though the collapsed deal was certainly not his responsibility. Liverpool fans will be hoping Hugo Ekitiké emerges victorious against the former Crystal Palace skipper.
The Frenchman has earned comparisons with Fernando Torres following three goals last weekend that elevated his total to 16 strikes and five assists for the Reds. The 24-year-old's blistering speed and precise finishing have rendered him unstoppable for numerous center-backs.
Ekitiké found the net within five minutes in his sole previous encounter with Guéhi, despite ultimately suffering defeat in the Community Shield, and few would dispute the striker extending his Liverpool record on Sunday. Even Guéhi might struggle to contain him.