Some fixtures arrive with a little extra spice. This one arrives with the whole spice rack. Liverpool vs Man City is the biggest game of the Premier League weekend, and it comes at the strangest possible moment, with the league leaders walking into Anfield days after being found guilty on almost every one of 115 financial charges.
Man City’s First Game Since the Verdict
This is the headline. City are playing for the first time since an independent commission found them guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial rules. City deny wrongdoing and have submitted an appeal, which must be completed within 12 weeks.
Expect noise. Liverpool finished second in 2013-14, inside the charged period, and the atmosphere is expected to be the most hostile Anfield has produced against City in recent years. Tim Howard is not downplaying it either, predicting “real hate” and calling this the new reality for City.
Erling Haaland Fitness Update
Good news for City, and gloomy news for Liverpool’s defenders. Enzo Maresca confirmed in his press conference that there are no serious concerns over Haaland’s fitness. He had appeared to limp off for Norway, so keep an eye on him, but he has been passed fit to feature. The last time these sides met, Haaland scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 FA Cup win for City.
Team News: Injuries and Doubts
Liverpool have problems. Alexander Isak (thigh) and Cody Gakpo (ankle) will miss the match. Hugo Ekitike (Achilles) is out for several more weeks, so Iraola may use Bradley Barcola as the attacking focal point.
City have smaller worries. Neither Nico O’Reilly (knock) nor Antoine Semenyo (ankle) is believed to be carrying a severe problem, and Phil Foden completes a three-game domestic suspension.
Form and Table: Perfect City vs Unbeaten Liverpool
City are top on a perfect 15 points, while Liverpool are seventh on nine, unbeaten after two wins and three draws. The Reds are still waiting for their first home league win this season, having drawn both of their previous games at Anfield. City won all three meetings with Liverpool last season, so the pressure sits on the home side.
Prediction
Forecasters are split on this one. Sports Mole backs a 2-2 draw, while RotoWire expects 1-1. Chaos, hostility and two attacks missing key names usually produce goals. The referee is Chris Kavanagh, so expect plenty of talking points.
Final Word
This is more than three points. It is a test of how a perfect City team handles the loudest atmosphere of their season, and of whether a depleted Liverpool can turn pressure into their first league win at home. Stay tuned for the full match report, reaction and analysis once the final whistle goes.
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