A high-stakes match that could go either way.
Image credit: Premier League
Liverpool and Manchester City are set for a high-stakes showdown in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
While Liverpool remains in the title race under new manager Arne Slot, City is out of contention but still poses a significant threat to the Reds’ ambitions.
Rivalry and Recent History
Despite Manchester City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola, Liverpool, led by Jurgen Klopp for years, was the one team that consistently challenged their supremacy.
Now, under Arne Slot, the Reds have already secured one victory over City this season—a 2-0 win at Anfield in December. However, much has changed since then.
Pep Guardiola is yet to taste defeat at home to Liverpool in the Premier League đź‘€
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 21, 2025
Will he extend that record in their meeting on Sunday? pic.twitter.com/WFCBA1vnEJ
Liverpool has struggled with mental and physical fatigue, including frustrating results like their controversial 2-2 draw against Everton, and another draw by the same score against Aston Villa.
These setbacks have reminded fans of last season’s late collapse, where the Reds fell short in multiple competitions despite a strong start.
Recent Form
Liverpool: Since the start of 2025, the Reds have drawn four of their eight league matches amid a congested fixture schedule.
In their last five games in all competitions, they have recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss.
Manchester City: City has won just two of their last five matches, suffering three defeats.
They were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid and endured a heavy 1-5 loss to Arsenal, though they did manage an FA Cup victory over Leyton Orient.
What is more, Pep Guardiola is yet to taste defeat at home to Liverpool in the Premier League.
Injury Concerns & Team News
Manchester City
John Stones was forced off early against Real Madrid and remains a major doubt.
Manuel Akanji, Oscar Bobb, and Rodri are out with long-term injuries.
Erling Haaland missed the Real Madrid clash due to a knee issue and may not be fit in time for Liverpool.
Predicted Man City XI:
Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Silva, Nico; Foden, Marmoush, Savinho.
Liverpool
Conor Bradley is out after suffering an injury against Aston Villa.
Joe Gomez remains sidelined long-term.
Cody Gakpo is racing against time to recover for the match.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota are still not fully fit but could play a role.
Predicted Liverpool XI:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Jota, Diaz.
Match Prediction
Both teams have struggled defensively, making this a high-scoring affair. Liverpool must secure all three points to keep up with Arsenal, while City will aim to derail their title charge.
Given the fatigue in Liverpool’s squad and City’s home advantage, this could go either way.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-3 Liverpool – Expect a thrilling encounter with Liverpool edging past City in a crucial away victory.