Man City would be hungry for a victory after a humiliating exit from the Champions League. Looking at Liverpool’s ambition to retain the top spot, we expect this fixture to culminate in a high-scoring draw. You can add goal-goals.
Match info: Premier League
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Date: Sunday, 23rd February 2025
Time: 5:30 pm Nigerian time
Capable of giving his former right-hand man Mikel Arteta a significant boost in the Premier League title race, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City tussle with Arne Slot's Liverpool in Sunday's colossal clash at the Etihad.
The last two champions of England are separated by an enormous 17-point chasm in the top-flight rankings, but the stuttering holders are finally reverting to type at home, in a domestic sense at least.
Head-to-head:
- Manchester City have won 12 of the 55 Premier League meetings between the two teams.
- Liverpool recorded 22 victories.
- The remaining 21 clashes ended in draws.
- 4 of their last 10 encounters ended in stalemate.
- 9 of their last 10 games produced at least 2 goals.
- 6 of their last 10 meetings produced at least 4 goals.
- The reverse fixture saw the Reds winning by 2-0.
- Mohammed Salah has scored 12 times against City.
Form:
- Man City in the League: D-W-W-L-W
- Man City in all competitions: L-W-L-W-L
- Liverpool in the League: W-W-D-W-D
- Liverpool in all competitions: W-L-D-W-D
Team News:
- For Manchester City, Manuel Akanji and Rodri are set to miss the upcoming game.
- For Liverpool, Joe Gomez, and Tyler Morton will be absent due to injury concerns.
Player(s) to watch:
- Ilkay Gundogan, the 34-year-old German midfield maestro from Gelsenkirchen, has made a sensational return to Manchester City for a second stint after a brief spell with FC Barcelona. A key figure in City’s golden era, he has amassed over 200 appearances and netted 44 goals, solidifying his reputation as a midfield orchestrator with impeccable vision and control. With Manchester City reeling from their premature UEFA Champions League exit, Gündogan’s experience and composure will be instrumental in stabilizing the midfield. As they prepare for a crucial clash against Liverpool, his leadership and tactical intelligence could be the catalyst City need to regain control and dictate the tempo of the game.
- Ibrahima Konaté, the 25-year-old French centre-back from Paris, honed his skills at RB Leipzig before making a high-profile move to Liverpool in 2021. Since joining the Reds, he has made 71 appearances, recently netting his first goal for the club. His commanding presence in defence has solidified his importance in Arne Slot’s backline. On the international stage, Konaté has earned 21 caps for France, playing a pivotal role in their defensive setup. He was part of the Les Bleus squad that finished as runners-up in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and contributed to Liverpool’s FA Community Shield triumph in 2022.