Manchester City host Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a crucial Premier League encounter, with both teams aiming to close the gap on leaders Arsenal. The champions sit second and third respectively, separated by one point, following recent wins in domestic and European competitions. This matchup revives a fierce rivalry that has defined recent title races.
The Premier League clash between Manchester City and Liverpool kicks off at 4:30 p.m. GMT on November 9, 2025, at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. Both sides enter the game in improving form after early-season inconsistencies. City, managed by Pep Guardiola, have lost only once in their last 13 matches across all competitions. They secured a 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League midweek, with Phil Foden scoring a brace—his first European goals this season—and Erling Haaland netting his 18th club goal of the campaign. Rayan Cherki added a late goal. In the league, City beat Bournemouth 3-1, with Haaland scoring twice and Nico O'Reilly contributing one.
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, have rebounded from six defeats in seven games by winning their last two: 2-0 against Aston Villa, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch, and 1-0 over Real Madrid, courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister's header. Virgil van Dijk emphasized defensive solidity, stating, "We have the quality to hurt anyone on the break – it starts with the defending." Slot described the fixture as similar to a 'Clasico,' adding, "What I like about Pep Guardiola’s teams is that 10 out of 10 times you get what you are hoping for – a great game of football."
Guardiola expressed excitement, saying, "I’m desperate to play against Liverpool," and praised Foden's return: "Phil is back." Head-to-head records show Liverpool leading with 110 wins to City's 60 across 218 meetings, including a 2-0 double over City last season.
Team news indicates City could welcome back Rodri after injury, with a fully fit squad otherwise. Liverpool will miss Alisson Becker, with Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal; Alexander Isak is a doubt due to a groin issue, but Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson are set to start in defense.
Predicted lineups vary slightly, but City may line up with Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Rodri, Gonzalez; Cherki, Foden, Doku; Haaland. For Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike.
Arsenal could lead by up to 10 points by kickoff, heightening the stakes for this pivotal encounter.
