The first classic between Liverpool and Manchester City since the departure of Pep Guardiola in 2016 took place on Sunday at Anfield, following City's guilty plea to 115 charges of financial irregularities. With the team led by Andoni Iraola, Liverpool faced the Citizens, who arrive at the stadium as leaders of the Premier League on goal difference and with a winning streak that places them at the top of the championship.
Manchester City, which has been the Premier League's biggest winner in the last decade, arrives at Anfield hoping to consolidate its dominance under the direction of Enzo Maresca, who tried to motivate the squad with a message of optimism on Thursday. The club, which has won six titles under Guardiola, now faces the possibility of sanctions ranging from fines to deduction of points, withdrawal of titles and even expulsion from the competition, as reported by Bloomberg. City has tried to negotiate with the Premier to reduce the penalty.
Liverpool, for their part, are preparing for a crucial duel with Iraola's squad, which includes Alisson, Ronald Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk and Kerkez in defense, and Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Víctor Muñoz, Szoboszlai and Barvola in midfield. The team also has Wirtz in the attack. The Basque club, which has suffered the losses of Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, is in seventh position, six points behind the first two places, which adds pressure to its visit to the Reds' stadium.
On City's side, the starting lineup includes Donnarumma, Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Guéhi and Gvardiol in defense, and Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernández, Iliman Ndiaye, Cherki and Doku in midfield, with Haaland as the main striker. The designated referee for the match is Chris Kavanagh.
The result of the match will have a significant impact on the fight for the title. While Liverpool look to consolidate their position in the table and take advantage of the absence of their key players, City look to maintain their dominance and avoid any penalties that could affect their campaign. With the season in full swing, both teams are determined to leave their mark in this classic that promises to be one of the most anticipated matches in the Premier League.