Verdict: Both teams to score
Best odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Betfair
A blockbuster match will take place at the Etihad on Sunday as the only two teams to have been crowned Premier League champions since 2017/18 – Manchester City and Liverpool – take each other on.
It so happens that this fixture marks Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th game in management—a milestone befitting a contest between two modern titans of English football. City sit second in the table, one point ahead of third-placed Liverpool, and both sides are chasing leaders Arsenal.
Manchester City
Manchester City enter this showdown in scintillating form. Guardiola’s men have scored 10 goals in their last three matches, including a commanding 4-1 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund and a 3-1 Premier League triumph against Bournemouth.
Erling Haaland continues to dominate headlines, having netted in five consecutive Champions League games and boasting 18 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions this season. At the Etihad, Haaland has been particularly lethal, scoring 10 times in seven home matches.
Victory on Sunday could close the gap to Arsenal to just three points, provided Sunderland hold firm against the leaders on Saturday.
Team News
Pep Guardiola faces a couple of midfield headaches ahead of his 1,000th game in management. Rodri is expected to miss out, while Mateo Kovacic is nursing an ankle injury, leaving Nico Gonzalez as the likely anchor in midfield.
Haaland will spearhead the attack, supported by Phil Foden—fresh from a Champions League brace—and Jeremy Doku’s pace on the flank. Bernardo Silva is tipped to return to the XI, with Rayan Cherki also favored over Savinho.
At the back, Ruben Dias could replace John Stones, while Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly are set to continue in full-back roles alongside and Josko Gvardiol completes the back four. Gianluigi Donnarumma should start in goal.
Liverpool
Liverpool arrive at the Etihad rejuvenated after a turbulent spell. Arne Slot’s side endured six defeats in seven games earlier this season but have bounced back with consecutive wins: a 2-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa and a gritty 1-0 triumph against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Mohamed Salah remains the Reds’ talisman, chasing a record for most direct goal involvements against City in Premier League history.
Liverpool’s defensive solidity has returned, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate anchoring a backline that kept clean sheets in their last two outings.
Team News
Slot faces selection dilemmas on the left flank. Florian Wirtz impressed against Real Madrid and may retain his spot over Cody Gakpo, while Hugo Ekitike is expected to lead the line with Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai in support.
Alexander Isak is unlikely to start even though he has recovered from a groin issue. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch form a reliable double pivot. Conor Bradley should continue at right-back with Jeremie Frimpong still recovering from injury.Milos Kerkez could replace Andy Robertson on the left to manage fatigue, though the recent performances of the Scotland captain notably outshined those of the Hungary international.
Giorgi Mamardashvili deputizes for Alisson Becker in goal, and the Brazilian is expected to be ready to return after the international break.
Head-to-Head Record
Manchester City and Liverpool have met 193 times in all competitions. Liverpool hold the historical edge with 91 wins to City’s 51, alongside 51 draws. Recent encounters have been fiercely contested: Liverpool won 2-0 at the Etihad in February 2025, repeating the scoreline that ended the contest at Anfield a few months earlier.
Over the past decade, this rivalry has completely shaped the title races, producing high-scoring thrillers and tactical masterclasses. Speaking to the press ahead of the game, Guardiola – not for the first time – named former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as the greatest rival in what has been an extremely illustrious career of the Catalan coach.
Conclusion
Sunday’s clash promises drama and quality in equal measure. City’s attacking firepower, led by Haaland, will test Liverpool’s resurgent defence, while Salah’s creativity and experience, along with Ekitike’s talent and industriousness, could exploit any gaps in Guardiola’s high line.
With Arsenal setting the pace, neither side can afford to slip. Expect an intense, high-tempo contest, where fine margins make all the difference.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Betfair
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