Manchester City travel to Anfield knowing that history is not on their side and that the pressure on their shoulders is heavy. For more than twenty years, this stadium has been a place of pain, frustration, and missed chances for the blue half of Manchester. Since May 2003, City have managed just one win at Anfield, and even that came in strange circumstances, behind closed doors in 2021 when football felt empty and unreal. Now the stands will be full again, the noise will be deafening, and Liverpool will smell weakness. City arrive not as fearless champions but as a team searching for answers, balance, and belief at a critical moment in the season.
Pep Guardiola’s side sit six points behind league leaders Arsenal going into this round of games, and every dropped point now feels like a small disaster. The title race is no longer comfortable. It is tight, tense, and unforgiving. Last weekend’s collapse against Tottenham Hotspur reminded everyone that City are no longer untouchable. Defensive errors, midfield lapses, and a lack of cutting edge exposed cracks that had been hidden for years. The midweek Carabao Cup win over Newcastle United offered some relief and a place in another final, but league football is a different beast. Anfield does not forgive mistakes, and Liverpool rarely show mercy when they sense doubt.
City’s recent form tells its own story. There have been draws where wins were expected, losses that felt shocking, and performances that lacked the usual Guardiola control. The rhythm that once defined this team has been disrupted by injuries, fatigue, and uncertainty. Players who once looked automatic now look hesitant. Passes are slower, decisions are delayed, and opponents are finding space that never used to exist. Against a Liverpool side that thrives on chaos, speed, and emotion, this is dangerous territory.
The team news ahead of the game paints a mixed picture. There is good news in defence, with Rúben Dias available again after injury. His return brings leadership and calm, qualities City have badly missed. John Stones is also back in training after a long absence, although Guardiola is unlikely to rush him straight into the starting eleven. Stones has not played enough football to be trusted fully in such a high-pressure match, especially against Liverpool’s aggressive press and constant movement.
However, there are still major concerns. Bernardo Silva is a serious doubt after picking up an injury in north London last weekend. His absence would be a big blow. Silva is often the player who connects City’s midfield and attack, who keeps the ball moving when others panic. Without him, City can look flat and predictable. Savinho, Jérémy Doku, Joško Gvardiol, and Mateo Kovačić are all sidelined, further limiting Guardiola’s options. These injuries have forced the manager to experiment, and not all of those experiments have worked.
One of the biggest talking points ahead of this match is the situation up front. Erling Haaland, the man who once terrified defenders across Europe, has not been at his explosive best since the turn of the year. Goals have dried up by his standards, and his overall influence has been questioned. In contrast, Omar Marmoush has been lively, confident, and hungry. His recent performances have caught the eye, and Guardiola has openly admitted that he is unsure who will start in attack. This is rare territory for Haaland, who has usually been one of the first names on the team sheet.
Despite this, it would still be a surprise if Haaland does not lead the line at Anfield. Guardiola publicly called him the best striker in the world, and big players are often trusted in big moments, even when form is not perfect. Haaland has the physical power to trouble Liverpool’s defenders, and one chance could be enough. Yet the doubt alone says a lot about City’s current state. In previous seasons, such a debate would not exist.
In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to continue. The Italian goalkeeper has had mixed moments recently, including conceding a spectacular scorpion kick to Dominic Solanke. While there was little he could do about that goal, confidence is everything for a goalkeeper, and Anfield is a brutal place if doubts creep in. Liverpool’s forwards are creative, unpredictable, and ruthless when given space. Donnarumma will need to be sharp, commanding, and brave, especially when dealing with crosses and quick shots inside the box.
At right back, Matheus Nunes is likely to start, and he faces a difficult task. Cody Gakpo may not be in his best form, but he remains dangerous, especially when drifting inside. On top of that, the overlapping runs from Liverpool’s left side will test Nunes’ positioning and concentration. This battle could define the flow of attacks down that flank. If Nunes can hold his ground, City may find some stability. If not, Liverpool will exploit it repeatedly.
In central defence, Guardiola may choose caution over sentiment. Although Dias is fit again, he might not be rushed straight into the starting role after a month out. Instead, Abdukodir Khusanov could continue, partnering Marc Guéhi. Khusanov has shown promise, but this is a huge test. Anfield exposes inexperience like few other grounds. Every touch, every clearance, every decision will be judged instantly by the crowd and punished if wrong.
Guéhi himself comes into this game under pressure. His performance against Spurs last weekend was inconsistent, and memories of his failed move to Liverpool last summer still linger in the background. Facing the club that almost signed him, in their own stadium, adds another layer of intensity. He will need to be composed, strong in the air, and quick in his reading of the game. Any lapse could be fatal.
On the left side of defence, Nico O’Reilly is expected to start. It is a brave call given the opponent. Mohamed Salah has made a habit of tormenting City’s left backs over the years. However, Salah has not been at his devastating best recently, and Guardiola may see this as a chance to use O’Reilly’s energy and fearlessness. Youth can sometimes be an advantage in these situations, as young players play without the weight of history. Still, it is a massive responsibility.
In front of the defence, Rodri will anchor the midfield. The Spaniard has been one of the best players in the world over the last two seasons, even winning the Ballon d’Or, but his recent performances have dipped. Against Spurs, he was lucky to escape a red card, and his usual control has been missing. Yet City still depend heavily on him. When Rodri struggles, the whole team feels it. At Anfield, he will be targeted, pressed aggressively, and forced to make quick decisions. His response could decide the game.
Further forward, the midfield could see some changes. Antoine Semenyo is likely to operate on the right. He has happy memories of facing Liverpool, having caused them serious problems earlier in the season. His pace and directness offer something different, and City may look to use him on the counterattack. Tijjani Reijnders could feature in a central role after impressing against Newcastle. His ability to carry the ball and offer defensive cover could be vital in a midfield battle that is sure to be intense.
Phil Foden may also start centrally if Bernardo Silva is not fit. Foden has struggled to find his best form recently, but Anfield has been kind to him in the past, with two goals scored there. He has the intelligence to find space and the quality to hurt Liverpool if given time. However, time is a rare luxury at Anfield, and Foden will need to be brave and decisive.
On the left wing, Rayan Cherki continues to excite. The Frenchman has brought creativity and unpredictability to City’s attack. His dribbling, vision, and confidence could trouble Liverpool’s defence, especially if they push high up the pitch. Cherki is the kind of player who can change a game with one moment of brilliance, and Guardiola will hope he embraces the occasion.
Up front, as mentioned, Haaland is expected to start, despite Marmoush’s strong form. This decision reflects Guardiola’s belief in his star striker’s ability to deliver when it matters most. Haaland may not have been scoring freely, but defenders still fear him. His movement creates space for others, and his physical presence can disrupt even the best-organised back lines. One early chance could transform his confidence and City’s mood.
Liverpool, of course, will not make things easy. Anfield will be loud, emotional, and hostile. Every City touch will be whistled, every Liverpool tackle cheered. The home side know that beating City would not only boost their own ambitions but also damage a direct rival’s title hopes. They will press high, attack quickly, and feed off the crowd’s energy. For City, surviving the opening stages will be crucial. Conceding early could turn the afternoon into a nightmare.
This match feels like a crossroads for Guardiola’s team. A win would be a statement, a reminder that champions do not fade quietly. It would close the gap on Arsenal and restore some belief. A draw might feel like a missed opportunity, but it could still keep City in the race. A defeat, however, would raise serious questions about their ability to defend the title.
The dilemma around Haaland and Marmoush, the injury list, and the uncertain form all point to a team in transition. City are no longer the unstoppable machine they once were. They are human again, vulnerable, and searching for solutions. Yet that also makes them dangerous. Teams written off often respond with pride.
As the players walk out onto the Anfield pitch, surrounded by noise and history, everything that has happened before will matter less than the next ninety minutes. Tactics, injuries, form, and predictions will fade away. What will remain is courage, concentration, and the ability to handle pressure. For Manchester City, this is not just another away game. It is a test of character, belief, and ambition. The answer they provide could define their season and shape the story of the Premier League title race in the weeks to come.
