Match Preview- Manchester City vs Liverpool

Now new head coach Arne Slot has inherited Klopp’s squad this season and has already registered a victory over City. Liverpool beat the Citizens 0-2 at Anfield in December but many things have changed for the Reds.

Slot’s men have struggled with mental and physical fatigue influenced by controversies like a late goal against Everton. Such mishaps have given Liverpool fans a minor post-traumatic stress as they remember what happened last season.

Liverpool started the last season strongly only to face a surprise late dip in form, costing them numerous major titles. Slot has the same squad that Klopp possessed but the Dutchman has deployed different tactics to enhance their overall performance. The former Feyenoord manager could prove himself once again as a worthy Klopp successor if he rejuvenates the team again.

Manchester City vs Liverpool: Recent Form

Since the start of 2025, the Reds drew four out of eight Premier League games amid the congested fixture period. Liverpool have two wins, two draws and a last in their last five games in all competitions.

The Reds struggled to beat Wolves at Anfield after their controversial 2-2 draw against Everton during the last midweek. Everton scored a late goal two minutes after the designated extra time, a goal that involved a potential offside and a clear foul on Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool managed a 2-2 draw at Villa Park against the unpredictable Aston Villa who strengthened their squad in January.  The Reds will face Newcastle United and Southampton after their bout against Man City, highlighting their stressful fixture schedule.

Meanwhile, Man City have lost three and won two out of their last five games in all competitions. The Citizens lost 1-5 to Arsenal in the away game followed by an FA Cup victory over Leyton Orient. They lost both of their Champions League knockout phase play-offs ties against Real Madrid with a victory against Newcastle between those fixtures.  

Manchester City vs Liverpool: Predicted Lineup

Guardiola suffered an injury blow against Real when John Stones failed to continue in the first half. Meanwhile, Manuel Akanji, Oscar Bobb and Rodri remain unavailable due to their respective long-term injuries.

Erling Haaland failed to play against Real after tweaking his knee and could potentially miss the game against the Reds.

Manchester City’s Predicted XI: Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Nico, Kovacic, Silva; Foden, Marmoush, Savinho.

Meanwhile, Liverpool added Conor Bradley to their injury list after his substitution cameo against Villa was cut short. Slot has managed the game time for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota as they are still not fully fit.

In-form left-winger Cody Gakpo is also racing against time to become available for the starting role against the Citizens. Slot rested Diaz against Villa and the Colombian has the potential to start the game against the Citizens. Joe Gomez remains the long-term absentee along with Bradley as the team navigates through fatigue and fixture congestion.

Liverpool’s Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Jota, Diaz.

Manchester City vs Liverpool: Predicted scoreline

Both teams have struggled to keep clean sheets while the Reds need to secure three points against their competitive rivals. Arsenal will play West Ham on Saturday but the result of that game should not play any psychological role for Slot’s men.

Liverpool’s resolve and their fatigue level will face a torrid test and hopefully, they will come out as the victors. This is the massive difference between a title challenger and the eventual winner. The Kop Times predict a 2-3 away win for the Reds to put their recent mishaps behind them.