This fixture has decided titles in past seasons, and while Manchester City may not be in the race this time, their showdown with Liverpool on Sunday could still shape how things end.
Arne Slot’s Reds are fighting to stay on top, while Pep Guardiola’s side will be aiming to slow them down and keep their own top-four hopes alive. With both teams packed with attacking quality, this promises to be another thrilling battle at the Etihad.
Match Preview: Manchester City vs Liverpool
Manchester City’s hopes of retaining their Premier League crown have long faded, with the defending champions trailing Liverpool by 17 points. Their midweek Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Real Madrid only adds to their frustrations, but they must quickly shift focus to securing a strong finish in the league and targeting FA Cup success.
Despite their struggles, City have rediscovered their touch at home. They have won their last three Premier League matches at the Etihad, netting at least three goals in each. With Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne back to their best, the hosts will be eager to make a statement against the league leaders.
For Liverpool, this fixture comes at a crucial moment. They still sit atop the table, but recent performances suggest a slight drop in sharpness. A 2-2 draw with Aston Villa in midweek gave Arsenal an opportunity to close the gap, and another slip-up on Sunday could throw the title race wide open.
However, Slot’s side have been imperious away from home, going unbeaten on the road in the league this season. Having already bested City 2-0 at Anfield earlier in the campaign, the Reds will travel with confidence, knowing they have what it takes to get another positive result.
Team News
Liverpool head into the clash with a few injury concerns. Cody Gakpo remains a doubt after missing recent fixtures with a knock, with Slot admitting his availability will be a last-minute decision. Joe Gomez, who suffered a hamstring injury in the FA Cup defeat to Plymouth, has undergone surgery and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Conor Bradley is also out after sustaining an injury against Aston Villa and is unlikely to feature against either City or Newcastle.
For Manchester City, all eyes are on Erling Haaland’s fitness. The prolific striker injured his knee against Newcastle and did not play in the Champions League against Real Madrid. Guardiola was tight-lipped about his chances of featuring on Sunday. One confirmed absentee is John Stones, who could require surgery for a quadriceps injury sustained in Madrid. Manuel Akanji, Oscar Bobb, and Rodri are also sidelined, forcing Guardiola to consider alternative options.
Omar Marmoush, fresh off a hat-trick, will be pushing for a starting spot in attack, while Ederson has the chance to etch his name into the history books by becoming the first goalkeeper to register an assist in three consecutive Premier League matches.
Head-to-Head
Liverpool are looking to complete a league double over City after their commanding 2-0 win at Anfield earlier this season. The Reds have achieved this feat against the reigning champions more times than any other club in Premier League history, last doing so against Chelsea in the 2010-11 season. However, their record at the Etihad is less impressive. Liverpool have failed to win in their last seven visits to City’s fortress, with their last triumph coming in a 4-1 victory back in November 2015.
Key Stats:
- Liverpool have not won any of their last seven trips to the Etihad, losing four and drawing three games. Their most recent game there saw a 1-1 draw with John Stones and Alexis Mac Allister on the scoresheet.
- Mohamed Salah (24 goals) leads Erling Haaland (19 goals) in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot. With 15 assists in the league as well, Salah’s 39 goal contributions this season are four away from Luis Suárez’s club record 43 in the 2013/14 season.
- Salah became the first player since Lionel Messi (2014-15) to score and assist in 10 different games in a single season within Europe’s Top 5 Leagues.
- Liverpool are top scorers in the Premier League (62 goals), followed by Manchester City (52 goals) in second place.
- Manchester City have conceded as many goals as Manchester United this season in the league (35), with nine teams having better defensive records. Meanwhile, Liverpool have kept the most number of clean sheets (10) in the league.
- Liverpool have been awarded the most penalties in the league (7), and have the second most touches in the opposition box (974). Manchester City have had the most touches (978) and have been awarded two penalties this season.
With both teams chasing different objectives, this clash promises to be another enthralling battle in Manchester. Will Liverpool tighten their grip on the title, or will City throw a spanner in the works?
