Liverpool’s Premier League title ambitions face their toughest test yet as they prepare to battle Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, February 23, 2025 (4:30 PM GMT). With Arsenal closing the gap and both teams showing vulnerabilities, this fixture could redefine the season’s narrative.
Liverpool’s Mounting Pressure
The Reds remain top of the table with 61 points from 26 games but have drawn four of their last eight league matches, including a frustrating 2-2 stalemate at Aston Villa midweek. Mohamed Salah continues to carry the attack, contributing directly to 14 goals in Liverpool’s last 15 games. However, manager Arne Slot has called for improved ruthlessness, stating: “Clear minds are needed—we must treat City as the flawed team they now are”.
Man City’s Fall From Grace
Pep Guardiola’s side sit fourth with 44 points—their worst league position in seven years—after crashing out of the Champions League group stage and suffering a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid. Injuries to Rodri (ACL), John Stones (thigh), and Erling Haaland (knee) have exposed aging midfield dynamics. Guardiola confirmed Haaland remains a game-time decision but hinted at starting January signing Omar Marmoush after his hat-trick against Newcastle.
Key Tactical Battles
| Man City Weaknesses | Liverpool Opportunities |
|---|---|
| • Vulnerable right-back position (Khusanov) | • Salah vs Gvardiol duel critical |
| • Lack of midfield control without Rodri | • Szoboszlai’s creativity in central zones |
| • Haaland’s potential absence | • Jota/Diaz exploiting Dias-Ake partnership |
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Liverpool: Joe Gomez (hamstring), Conor Bradley (ankle), and Cody Gakpo (fitness doubt) are sidelined. Darwin Nunez faces scrutiny after costly misses, with Slot warning: “You cannot miss out on work rate”.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz.
Man City: Stones joins Rodri and Manuel Akanji on injury list. Kevin De Bruyne likely returns after being rested midweek.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Khusanov, Dias, Aké, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo; Foden, De Bruyne, Doku; Marmoush.
Historical Context
Liverpool have won just once at the Etihad in league play since 2008—a 4-1 victory in November 2015. Their last meeting ended 1-1 in November 2024, while City’s 2-1 win in March 2023 proved pivotal in that season’s title race.
