This Sunday, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City lock horns with their historic rivals, Liverpool, in a Premier League showdown that promises fireworks. With City sitting fourth and chasing a Champions League berth, their fading title dreams have shifted focus to derailing Liverpool’s ambitions at the Etihad Stadium. Fresh off a commanding 4-0 win over Newcastle, City aim to recover from a midweek European disappointment against Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Liverpool, buoyed by a 2-0 victory at Anfield in December, are gunning for a rare Premier League double over City, a feat achieved only twice before (2005-06, 2015-16).
The stakes couldn’t be higher. City boast an impressive home record against Liverpool, losing just once in their last 15 Premier League encounters at the Etihad (W8 D6), that sole defeat a 4-1 thrashing in 2015 under Manuel Pellegrini. Since Christmas, they’ve been in fine form, amassing 17 points (W5 D2 L1), a stark contrast to their earlier struggles (four points from eight games). Liverpool, however, are no strangers to upsetting champions, having secured the league double over reigning titleholders six times—more than any other side in the competition’s history.
Fans can anticipate a goal-fest, with Liverpool unbeaten in their last 13 Sunday Premier League games (W11 D2), scoring multiple goals in each since a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in April 2024. Egyptian stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush will add flair to an already thrilling contest. City’s predicted lineup features Ederson in goal, a backline of Nunes, Dias, Ake, and Gvardiol, with Nico, Kovacic, and Silva in midfield, and Foden, Marmoush, and Haaland up top. Liverpool counter with Alisson guarding the net, defenders Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, and Robertson, midfield duo Gravenberch and Mac Allister, and attackers Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz, and Jota.
Set for a 5:30pm kickoff at the Etihad, this clash is tipped to deliver over 1.5 goals, given both teams’ attacking prowess. As Guardiola faces his old foes, this isn’t just a match—it’s a statement. Will City solidify their top-four push, or will Liverpool cement their dominance over the champions once more?
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