Liverpool–Manchester City: Anfield braced for a charged return

Sunday’s meeting at Anfield carries an unusually heavy backdrop. In December 2024, Manchester City were 2-0 behind at Liverpool as home supporters sang that Pep Guardiola would be dismissed the next morning. City were heading towards a fourth successive Premier League defeat, and Guardiola answered by raising six fingers towards the crowd, referring to his six league titles with the club.

The mood has since been sharpened by an independent commission’s finding that Manchester City were guilty of most of the Premier League’s 115 financial charges. The club maintains its innocence, while its appeal remains unresolved. On Friday, current City manager Enzo Maresca rejected the idea that the titles were tainted. His team have won all five league matches this season.

For Liverpool and manager Andoni Iraola, the fixture offers a chance to revive their campaign. Neither Guardiola nor Jürgen Klopp will be on the touchline for the first time in this meeting since 2015. Liverpool finished second behind City in 2013-14 under Brendan Rodgers, then again in 2018-19 and 2021-22 under Klopp, despite collecting 97 and 92 points respectively.

The rivalry has produced major moments and controversy. In 2018, Liverpool were fined 20,000 euros (£17,500) by UEFA after objects were thrown at City’s bus before a Champions League quarter-final first leg. Liverpool then scored three times in 19 first-half minutes and eliminated City. Earlier that season, Klopp’s side ended City’s unbeaten league start with a 4-3 Anfield win.

Merseyside Police say a dedicated plan will be in place, while social media posts have promoted a bus greeting on Anfield Road. Liverpool are also preparing banners and flags, and one suggestion called for fake money in the stands. The club says preparations remain routine, although chairman Tom Werner is expected to attend an occasion likely to feel unlike any other.

ColdMath take

Manchester City can preserve a 100% league start with a sixth win, while Liverpool have an immediate opportunity to change the direction of their campaign. The unresolved appeal will remain part of the atmosphere around the match.

The fixture also tests how both teams handle an unusually hostile setting, with the first league meeting since 2015 without Guardiola or Klopp in the technical areas.