Liverpool and Manchester City collide in a Premier League blockbuster at Anfield this Sunday.
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The match pits the dominant challengers against the struggling champions in what could be a defining moment of the season.
A victory for Liverpool would extend their commanding lead over Pep Guardiola’s side to 11 points, potentially dealing a decisive blow to City’s hopes of retaining their crown.
Match Preview
Fresh from a 3-0 triumph over Real Madrid in the Champions League, Liverpool enter the weekend brimming with confidence.
The Reds have maintained a 100% record in Europe this season, with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo sealing victory in midweek.
This win followed a dramatic comeback against Southampton, where Mohamed Salah’s second-half brace rescued a 2-1 victory in a top-versus-bottom clash.
Liverpool remain atop the Premier League standings with an insurmountable lead regardless of Sunday’s result.
They boast a six-game winning streak across all competitions, scoring multiple goals in each of those matches and keeping clean sheets in their last three home fixtures.
Manager Arne Slot has quickly established himself as a force to reckon with, winning 10 of his first 12 league games and ensuring Liverpool remains both domestic and European contenders.
In stark contrast, Manchester City’s season has taken an unexpected nosedive. Guardiola’s men suffered a shocking collapse against Feyenoord in the Champions League, squandering a three-goal lead in the final 15 minutes to draw 3-3.
This extends their winless streak to six matches across all competitions, their longest under Guardiola.
Domestically, City suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, leaving them at risk of falling out of the top four.
While City remains a formidable attacking force, having scored in 26 consecutive away games, their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of midfield control—amplified by Rodri’s absence—have left them exposed.
Liverpool, unbeaten in their last three Anfield meetings with City, will look to capitalize on their rivals’ turmoil.
Guardiola, whose 27% win rate against Liverpool is his lowest against any club, faces a daunting task of rallying his side in one of the toughest fixtures of the campaign.
Team News
Liverpool
The Reds are boosted by the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is fit to start after being an unused substitute against Real Madrid.
However, there are fresh injury concerns: Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate both sustained issues in midweek, with the latter likely to be replaced by Joe Gomez in defense.
Liverpool will also be without key players including Alisson Becker (hamstring), Diogo Jota (abdominal), and Kostas Tsimikas (ankle).
Manager Slot is expected to make minimal changes, with Dominik Szoboszlai potentially coming in for Curtis Jones.
Manchester City
City received good news as Ruben Dias returned to the squad against Feyenoord, while Jeremy Doku resumed training and could feature on Sunday.
However, Guardiola remains without key players such as John Stones (foot), Rodri (ACL), and Mateo Kovacic (unspecified).
Kevin De Bruyne’s cameo in midweek signals he could start alongside Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland in attack.
Matheus Nunes’ strong Champions League performance may also earn him a place in Guardiola’s starting XI.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-3-3):
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Manchester City (4-3-3):
Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake; Nunes, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Silva, Haaland, Savinho
Prediction
Despite Manchester City’s attacking prowess on the road, their defensive frailties and midfield struggles could prove costly against a Liverpool side in imperious form.
With Anfield roaring and Guardiola’s men lacking their usual composure, the Reds are tipped to secure a statement victory, further cementing their title charge.
