Manchester City host Liverpool in a blockbuster Premier League showdown with implications in title and top-four races.
Victory could see Man City climb to third if Forest lose in the mid-afternoon game at Newcastle, whilst a win will see Liverpool move 11 points clear of Arsenal at the summit.
Team News
Man City could welcome Erling Haaland back into contention after he was an unused substitute in their Champions League exit away at Real Madrid with a knee injury.
John Stones is however ruled out after he suffered a thigh injury early in the first half at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Oscar Bobb (fitness), Manuel Akanji (muscle) and Rodri (knee) remain ruled out.
Liverpool could be without Conor Bradley after he suffered a muscle injury during their 2-2 draw at Aston Villa in midweek.
Cody Gakpo (knock) is a doubt but Joe Gomez (hamstring) remains absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Man City host Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on Sunday 23 February at 4:30pm GMT, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Man City have won one of their last seven league meetings against Liverpool (W1, D4, L2).
- Liverpool are winless in their last eight league visits to Man City (D4, L4).
- Arne Slot’s Reds are looking to achieve a first league double over Man City since 2015-16 season.
- Man City have kept one clean sheet in three league matches at home in 2025 (W3), during which they scored 11 goals and conceded twice.
- Four of Liverpool’s six league goals away from home this month have been scored by Mohamed Salah, with the Reds scoring twice in all three away matches (W1, D2).
Prediction
After their lacklustre Champions League exit against Real Madrid where they lacked much spark especially in midfield which looked outran for desire let alone pace, which is a worry coming into this game because they will need to produce a reaction if want to nullify Liverpool’s dangerous attacking press quickly.
Liverpool meanwhile were certainly made to fight for a valuable point at Villa where they lacked a sharp end product and defence was just sloppy at times, which can’t be repeated here because they won’t be able to get away with similar antics and this is a chance to put the title firmly in their hands.
City’s defence though just seems to lack much confidence despite their evident attacking quality and if Liverpool turn up with the right attitude, I can see the Reds taking their first league double over the hosts for the first time in nine years.
Prediction: Man City 1-2 Liverpool
Result: Man City 0-2 Liverpool
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