Liverpool are brimming with confidence after a triumphant week. They overcame Real Madrid in the Champions League, breaking a longstanding curse against the Spanish giants. Despite Mohamed Salah missing a penalty, a rarity, Liverpool cruised to victory thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s sharp finish, Cody Gakpo’s precise header, and Caoimhin Kelleher’s penalty heroics against Kylian Mbappé.
This win solidified Liverpool’s dominance both domestically and in Europe, maintaining their perfect start to the 2024-25 Champions League campaign.
The Reds also showcased resilience last weekend, battling from behind to defeat bottom-placed Southampton. Salah, once again the savior, delivered a decisive second-half brace to ensure Slot’s unbeaten away record as Liverpool manager stayed intact.
Heading into Sunday’s clash, Liverpool are on a six-game winning streak, scoring freely and boasting clean sheets in their last three Anfield outings against Real Madrid, Aston Villa, and Bayer Leverkusen. Slot, who has won 10 of his first 12 Premier League games, joins an elite group of managers and will aim to keep up a proud Liverpool tradition — their last six managers have all avoided defeat in their first league meeting with the reigning champions.
Meanwhile, Manchester City arrive in disarray. Pep Guardiola’s men suffered a shocking midweek collapse in the Champions League against Feyenoord, surrendering a 3-0 lead in the final 15 minutes. The defeat marked their sixth consecutive game without a win, leaving the once-dominant champions struggling for form.
Last weekend’s humiliating 4-0 home loss to Tottenham added to their woes, and City now face the threat of falling out of the top four altogether, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Brighton breathing down their necks.
Despite their struggles, City’s potent attack offers a glimmer of hope. They’ve scored in 26 consecutive away games, a streak dating back nearly a year. However, their recent record at Anfield and Guardiola’s poor win rate against Liverpool, his lowest against any side he’s faced five times or more don’t bode well for the visitors.
Sunday’s clash could define the season for both teams. Liverpool aim to tighten their grip on the title race, while City desperately seek a lifeline to salvage their campaign. Expect drama, goals, and the kind of intensity only these two footballing giants can deliver.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who returned to the squad as an unused substitute against Real Madrid, has been declared fit to start Sunday’s blockbuster clash by manager Arne Slot. His availability comes at the perfect time, as Conor Bradley is sidelined with a suspected hamstring injury sustained during the Champions League match.Bradley wasn’t the only casualty midweek—defender Ibrahima Konaté picked up a leg issue late in the game and has confirmed he’ll be out for a while. As a result, Joe Gomez could step in for his first Premier League start of the season, partnering Virgil van Dijk in the heart of Liverpool’s defense.
Liverpool will also be without several key players, including Federico Chiesa (fitness), Diogo Jota (abdominal), Alisson Becker (hamstring), and Kostas Tsimikas (ankle), none of whom are expected back before December 1. Slot may limit his changes to just one tactical swap, potentially starting Dominik Szoboszlai in place of Curtis Jones.
On the Manchester City side, there’s some rare good news amid their recent struggles. Key defender Ruben Dias returned to the bench against Feyenoord after recovering from a calf injury, and the squad came through that match without any new fitness setbacks.
Jeremy Doku (thigh) is also back in training and could make a return on Sunday. However, John Stones (foot), Rodri (ACL), Oscar Bobb (leg), and Mateo Kovacic (unspecified) remain unavailable.
Pep Guardiola opted to ease Kevin De Bruyne back into action midweek, but the Belgian maestro and Savinho may be in line to shake up City’s attacking setup. The manager also faces a dilemma over whether to start Matheus Nunes after his impressive performance in the Champions League.
Both teams are navigating injuries, but their depth ensures Sunday’s clash will still feature plenty of star power.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Liverpool possible starting lineup:Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake; Nunes, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Silva, Haaland, Savinho
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
No matter how tough things seem for City, Guardiola’s side can usually be counted on to deliver in attack, especially away from the Etihad. Their impressive scoring streak on the road is unlikely to end here, especially with Liverpool missing Ibrahima Konaté in defense.
That said, City’s backline always feels one step away from disaster, and without a midfield anchor like Rodri to stabilize things, they look vulnerable. This could set the stage for Liverpool to land a crushing blow to their title hopes in what might be City’s most painful defeat of the season so far.
