The Premier League’s fiercest rivalry returns to the forefront this Sunday as Liverpool welcomes Manchester City to the famous Anfield atmosphere. While this fixture has often decided the fate of the title in recent years, the 2025-26 season has twisted the narrative. With Arsenal sitting pretty nine points clear at the top, the stakes have shifted slightly. City arrives in second place, desperately trying to keep the pressure on the leaders, while Liverpool, currently sitting in sixth, is fighting tooth and nail to secure a Champions League spot.
It promises to be an electrifying encounter under the lights. Both teams have shown moments of pure brilliance this season but have also struggled with consistency. For the neutrals, it’s unmissable; for the fans, it’s nervous time.
Form Guide: Redemption and Regression
Liverpool comes into this game riding a wave of confidence. Back-to-back dominant victories—a 4-1 league dismantling of Newcastle United followed by a 6-0 Champions League rout of Qarabağ—have done wonders for morale after a rocky start to 2026. Arne Slot has his side ticking, with 39 points from 24 games. However, defensive frailties remain a concern; having conceded 33 goals, they know they can’t afford to be too open against City’s lethal attack.
In contrast, Manchester City is in a strange spot. They are second but find themselves chasing shadows, six to nine points behind Arsenal. Their recent form (WDWWL) includes a frustrating 2-2 draw at Tottenham where they threw away a two-goal lead. Despite boasting the league’s best attack with 48 goals, they look untrustworthy at the back, particularly on the road.
The Anfield Bogeyman
One of the most compelling storylines is City’s historic struggle at this venue. The stats don’t lie: City have managed just one Premier League win in their last 22 visits to Anfield. That solitary win came in an empty stadium during the pandemic. Overall, in 57 meetings, City has won just 13 times. A win today would be historic—it would be their first league double over Liverpool since 1937.
Liverpool Team News and Absentees
Injuries are playing a massive role in the build-up. Liverpool boss Arne Slot is sweating on several key players. He is without right-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, while striker Alexander Isak remains out with a broken leg. Ibrahima Konaté is back and scored last time out, which is a boost, but Joe Gomez remains doubtful. Slot knows this is a benchmark test after his side was “completely outplayed” in the reverse fixture at the Etihad.
Manchester City Team News and Absentees
For Pep Guardiola, the selection headache is equally severe. He is likely to be without Savinho and Jérémy Doku, a massive blow given Doku’s impact in the earlier meeting. John Stones is back but being managed, Rúben Dias was back among the substitutes midweek for the win over Newcastle United and Guardiola has confirmed he could feature in some capacity on Sunday. while Bernardo Silva is a late fitness test. Guardiola has called Anfield a “difficult place” and will rely on the goal-scoring prowess of Erling Haaland to lead the line.
Tactical Toss-Up
The midfield battle will dictate the tempo. City’s anchorman, Rodri, will face a dynamic duo in Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. With Liverpool likely to play Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back due to injuries, City might look to exploit that flank.
Liverpool has been lethal in the second half of games, leading the league in late goals (26 in the second half, 14 in the final 15 minutes). City, conversely, dominates possession (577 passes per game average). It’s a classic clash of styles: City’s control vs. Liverpool’s chaos and transition.
Predictions: It’s tight to call. Data gives Liverpool a slight edge (52%) with a 1-0 win being the most probable outcome. However, with home advantage and City’s injury list, a narrow 2-1 victory for the Reds feels right.
Prediction: Liverpool 2–1 Manchester City