Premier League leaders Liverpool make the short trip to play the holders Manchester City this afternoon.
The Reds can go 11 points clear at the top of the table after Arsenal lost to West Ham yesterday.
In his Friday press conference, Arne Slot admitted he wasn’t certain that Cody Gakpo would be fit enough to feature. The Dutchman has missed the last two matches after picking up a knock in the Merseyside derby.
🔴 IT’S MATCHDAY 🔴
The Reds travel to Manchester for a #PL clash at the Etihad 👊#WalkOn | #MCILIV pic.twitter.com/H3SKAzMP5m
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 23, 2025
Conor Bradley is also a major doubt while Joe Gomez may not feature again this campaign after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury.
Manchester City will be looking to make amends for their embarrassing Champions League exit to Real Madrid in midweek.
Erling Haaland was an unused substitute against Los Blancos with Pep Guardiola not choosing to call upon the striker. City’s top goalscorer will be assessed to determine whether he can start this afternoon.
John Stones may require surgery on a quad injury that forced him off after eight minutes at the Bernabeu. It’s a similar situation for fellow central defender Manuel Akanji, who is also sidelined with a muscular issue.
Manchester City vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news
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Manchester City: LWLWL
Manchester City won’t be involved in the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time since the 2012/13 season after Real Madrid knocked them out on Wednesday night.
The Citizens lost the first leg 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium before a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick sealed their fate in the return.
Pep Guardiola and his players now remain in only two competitions; the Premier League and the FA Cup.
Three points today could see them climb into third place, depending on the outcome of Nottingham Forest’s game with Newcastle.
It’s an unrelenting schedule for the Premier League holders. The visit of Liverpool precedes a trip to Tottenham in midweek. Next weekend, they’re in FA Cup fifth-round action at home to Plymouth.
Liverpool: WLDWD
Due to Liverpool’s involvement in the Carabao Cup final, the Reds’ trip to Aston Villa was fast-tracked to last Wednesday.
Arne Slot’s side played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with the Villans. Mohamed Salah scored his 24th league goal and grabbed his 15th league assist of a stellar campaign for the Egyptian.
Today’s match could prove pivotal in deciding where the league title ends up in May.
Arsenal are Liverpool’s closest challengers for top spot but fell to a disappointing home loss to West Ham yesterday.
A first league win at the Etihad Stadium since 2015 would put the Reds 11 clear, albeit having played one game more.
On Friday night, the Merseyside club discovered their Champions League last 16 opponents. They will face Paris Saint-Germain over two legs, with the winner progressing into the quarter-finals.
Last Meeting: Liverpool 2-0 Manchester City, Premier League, 1st December 2024
It was a statement victory for Liverpool back in December as they swept aside an ailing Manchester City.
At the time, the Premier League holders had endured their longest losing streak in recent memory, stretching to six matches.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool took full advantage of that vulnerability to prevail at Anfield.
Cody Gakpo put his side in control with 12 minutes on the clock. Minutes after Virgil van Dijk had hit the post with a firm header, Gakpo latched onto a dangerous cross-cum-shot from Mohamed Salah to tap in from close quarters.
The siege on City’s net showed no signs of slowing down and Van Dijk proved impossible to contain. The formidable Dutchman should have at least hit the target after meeting Alexis Mac Allister’s inviting corner.
Trent Alexander-Arnold then clipped the post after the visitors failed to adequately clear another set-piece. The full-back had acres of space to take aim from the edge of the box but his strike went agonisingly wide.
City’s lethargy didn’t improve in the second period and only Liverpool’s inaccuracy saved them from embarrassment. Van Dijk came close again with a towering header from a corner before Salah uncharacteristically blazed over after bearing down on Stefan Ortega’s goal.
Careless play from Pep Guardiola’s side resulted in the Reds being awarded a penalty. Luis Diaz stole possession from Kyle Walker before being brought down by the despairing Ortega.
Salah wasn’t going to refuse this chance and his penalty was perfectly rolled into the corner. The league leaders deservedly saw off the perennial champions in a result that subtly indicated a potential changing of the guard.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City: Ortega; Nunes, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Nico; Foden, Silva Marmoush; Haaland
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.
Who is the referee?
Anthony Taylor will be the match official. Gary Beswick and Lee Betts will assist him while Andy Madley will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Stuart Attwell and he will be assisted by Adam Nunn.
What TV channel is Manchester City vs Liverpool on?
Manchester City vs Liverpool will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra, Sky Go UK and NOW UK.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off at the Etihad Stadium will be at 16:30 GMT on Sunday 23rd February 2025.
Manchester City vs Liverpool Match Odds
Manchester City: 19/10
Draw: 14/5
Liverpool: 6/5
Read – Eight moments that defined the Liverpool vs Man City rivalry
See more – Every player to record 15+ goals and 15+ assists in a Premier League season
