Liverpool and Manchester City will face off in what promises to be an enthralling Premier League encounter this Sunday at Anfield. With the two sides at opposite ends of the form spectrum, this match could be a defining moment for both teams in their pursuit of the title.
Liverpool, under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, have been in sensational form this season. The Reds have not only remained unbeaten in the Premier League but have also continued their dominance on the European stage. Their 100% start to the Champions League campaign was preserved with a win over Real Madrid, a match that saw Alexis Mac Allister’s well-taken goal and a brilliant header from Cody Gakpo. Caoimhin Kelleher’s key save in the penalty shootout further sealed a famous victory for Liverpool, demonstrating their resilience and quality.
In the league, Liverpool’s attacking play has been unstoppable. A dramatic comeback against Southampton last weekend, where Mohamed Salah’s brace secured a 3-1 win after a challenging first half, reaffirmed their status as one of Europe’s elite teams. The Reds have now won six consecutive matches across all competitions, scoring multiple goals in each of these victories and keeping clean sheets in their last three games at Anfield.
Liverpool’s current position at the top of the Premier League is not only a testament to their strong squad but also to Slot’s tactical acumen. The Dutch manager has made an immediate impact, with his side boasting one of the league’s most potent attacks and stingiest defenses. Slot will be aiming to extend this impressive run and preserve Liverpool’s advantage at the summit, knowing that a win over Manchester City would likely end any hopes of a five-peat for the defending champions, putting the gap between the two sides at 11 points.
On the other hand, Manchester City have been enduring a challenging period, with their form significantly dipping since the end of October. Pep Guardiola’s side are currently on a six-match winless streak in all competitions, including a humiliating 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham last weekend. This poor run has left City struggling to maintain their place in the top four, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Brighton all breathing down their necks. Guardiola’s men have also lost four consecutive away games, a stark contrast to their usual dominance on the road.
City’s downfall has been particularly evident in the Champions League, where they suffered a historic collapse against Feyenoord. After leading 3-0, they were stunned by a comeback, marking a new low in their European campaign. The loss was compounded by a series of injuries to key players, with Ruben Dias, Rodri, and John Stones all sidelined for extended periods. Despite this, City still possess plenty of talent in their ranks, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Bernardo Silva capable of turning the tide in their favor.
For Liverpool, the injury list remains a concern. While Trent Alexander-Arnold is fit to start, having made a return to the squad against Real Madrid, Ibrahima Konate’s injury has ruled him out for the foreseeable future, leaving Joe Gomez likely to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defense. Midfield options are also limited, with Diogo Jota, Alisson Becker, and Kostas Tsimikas all unavailable for selection. Despite these absences, Liverpool’s squad depth remains formidable, with players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott ready to step in.
Manchester City, meanwhile, will be hoping for a return to form from some of their key players. Ruben Dias’ return to fitness is a boost for Guardiola, as his defensive solidity will be crucial in the face of Liverpool’s attacking prowess. There is also hope that Jeremy Doku, who has been recovering from a thigh injury, could provide an additional spark in attack. However, Guardiola’s team continues to be without several key figures, including Rodri and John Stones, and the manager will have to rely on the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, De Bruyne, and Haaland to help them recover from their recent slump.
The two sides have met several times in recent seasons, with Manchester City holding a slight edge in their recent encounters. City have gone unbeaten in their last four meetings with Liverpool, with the most recent clash ending in a 1-1 draw. However, Guardiola’s poor record at Anfield, where he has won just 27% of his matches against Liverpool, will add to the pressure on his team.
Both sides will come into this game with much to play for. For Liverpool, a victory would strengthen their grip on the Premier League title and continue their impressive campaign, while a win for Manchester City could provide a much-needed boost to their confidence and help them recover from their recent struggles. The stage is set for what could be a memorable showdown at Anfield.
