Liverpool vs Manchester City – Liverpool and Manchester City meet at Anfield on Sunday in a Premier League fixture that carries significant weight as the season moves into its decisive phase.
It is not a title decider, but it is an important checkpoint for two teams searching for consistency after an unusually uneven start to 2026.
Watch Top Sports on setantasports.com
Watch the world’s biggest football action live and exclusive on setantasports.com, including every match from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1. Enjoy world-class coverage, expert commentary, and nonstop drama from the stars and clubs that define modern football.
Beyond football, Setanta Sports also brings you the very best of global sport — UFC, Formula 1, basketball, tennis, and more — all in one place, anytime, on any device.
To get a discount on your subscription, you can use the following promo codes:
NEWS26 – 30% off a monthly subscription
YEAR26 – 30% off a yearly subscription
You can also begin your subscription by clicking on any of the banners below.
The previous promo codes — NEWS25 and YEAR25 — are still active.
Context: Importance Without Finality
After 24 league matches, Liverpool and Manchester City have a combined 86 points — the lowest total for the two sides at this stage since the 2015–16 season. Since New Year’s Day, both teams have managed just one Premier League win, highlighting a shared dip in form that has kept the title race open.
The underlying numbers, however, reveal contrasting trends. Liverpool have posted the best xG difference in the league in 2026, suggesting their results have lagged behind their performances. City’s data tells a different story, with their output since January closer to mid-table levels — a rare sight under Pep Guardiola.
Slot: Development Meets Late-Season Reality
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot framed Sunday’s clash as a dual-purpose moment: a measure of progress and a match where results now matter more.
He described facing Manchester City as “another moment to see where we are in the development of this team,” while acknowledging that the season’s timing adds urgency. With the campaign entering its final phase, Slot admitted that outcomes carry increasing importance alongside long-term growth.
Slot also pointed to City’s midweek win over Newcastle — achieved without their regular starters — as proof of the depth and strength Liverpool will face, reinforcing his view that Guardiola’s side remain a benchmark regardless of recent fluctuations.
Liverpool’s Model and the Wirtz Example
Slot used his press conference to underline Liverpool’s broader strategy, referencing the recently agreed summer move for Jeremy Jacquet as another example of the club’s focus on young, high-potential talent capable of contributing both immediately and in the long term.
That philosophy is already visible on the pitch through Florian Wirtz, whose recent upturn in form has coincided with Liverpool’s most encouraging performances. Slot credited Wirtz’s improvement off the ball as the key step in his adaptation, stressing that trust and continuity are essential when integrating players into the Premier League’s physical demands.
Momentum Shift After Newcastle?
Liverpool’s 4–1 win over Newcastle last weekend was their most convincing league display of the season. It featured their highest expected goals total, seven big chances created, and a marked increase in direct attacking play — six direct attacks compared to a season average of just 1.6.
Despite ranking second in the league for shots, Liverpool remain among the lowest for conversion rate compared to last season. Even so, their late-game impact has been decisive, with more goals scored after the 76th minute than any other Premier League side.
Guardiola: Improvement Needed, Time Still Available
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola acknowledged that his side are not yet operating at their highest level, despite recent signs of improvement. He admitted consistency remains the missing piece, but emphasized that with 14 league matches still to play, there is ample time for the situation to change.
Guardiola also highlighted the difficulty of the task at Anfield, describing Liverpool as “an exceptional team” led by a top-class manager, and reiterated that form does not change the challenge posed by the stadium or the quality of the opposition.
City’s Numbers and the Anfield Question
City arrive with 47 points after 24 matches — well below their average at this stage in previous title-winning seasons. Historically, teams with fewer than 50 points after 24 games have rarely gone on to lift the Premier League trophy.
While City still boast one of the league’s best overall shot conversion rates, their attacking efficiency has dropped sharply since January. They have scored just six league goals in 2026, and their ability to generate high-quality chances from fast breaks has declined.
Haaland: Decision Time
Guardiola confirmed that Erling Haaland remains fully in contention after being rested in midweek, reiterating his belief that the Norwegian is “the best striker in the world.” However, Haaland’s recent league form has been subdued, with no non-penalty goals from his last 21 shots and no Premier League goals ever scored at Anfield.
The decision over whether Haaland or Omar Marmoush leads the line adds another layer of intrigue to Sunday’s tactical battle.
Salah and Anfield’s Familiar Story
If City have concerns, Mohamed Salah remains central to them. The Liverpool forward has scored 13 goals against Guardiola-managed teams, all against Manchester City — more than any other player.
At Anfield, Salah has scored in each of his last five home starts against City, reinforcing Liverpool’s reliance on their most consistent big-game performer in a fixture often decided by moments rather than dominance.
Team News
Joe Gomez may be able to contribute from the bench after returning to training, though a starting role is unlikely. Jeremie Frimpong remains unavailable for Liverpool.
For City, Ruben Dias has returned to the squad and could feature, while John Stones is edging closer to full fitness. Bernardo Silva remains a doubt pending a late decision.
Why to Watch Live
This is not a match that defines the season, but it is one that shapes belief, momentum, and direction. Liverpool are measuring progress under a new coach, while Manchester City are seeking the consistency that could yet turn their campaign.
With pressure building, form fragile, and margins tight, Liverpool vs Manchester City watch live promises a high-level contest driven by tactical detail, individual quality, and the growing importance of every remaining point.
