Manchester City faces Liverpool this Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, as the Premier League gears up for another thrilling showdown between two of England’s most iconic football clubs. Liverpool currently leads the Premier League, having not lost since September, and is coming off of two draws. Meanwhile, Manchester City, sitting fourth, looks to make its mark after being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League.
The match kicks off at 4:30 PM GMT on February 23, 2025. Viewers can catch the live broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event, with additional streaming options available on Sky Go.
Both teams have faced challenges recently, with Liverpool drawing their last two matches—2-2 against Aston Villa and 2-1 against Wolverhampton—which raised questions about their ability to maintain form. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has noted, "the Reds are still favorites to win the Premier League," but with Arsenal close behind, they need to secure maximum points.
Manchester City, on the other hand, has had its own struggles. After losing to Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola’s squad is only focused on the FA Cup and top-four positioning to guarantee Champions League football next season. Guardiola’s team is currently 16 points behind Liverpool, reflecting their challenges this season. City’s recent performances have not lived up to expectations, and they are eager to turn this trend around against their title rivals.
Team news is pivotal as both clubs contend with injuries. City’s Erling Haaland has been nursing a knee injury and missed the midweek clash against Madrid. His status remains uncertain, and whether he can feature against Liverpool is up for debate. John Stones is also facing significant time off due to injury. City will look to rely on key players like Phil Foden, who has contributed with seven goals this season, as they attempt to reclaim form.
On Liverpool’s side, they have reported injuries to players such as Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton, adding to the pressure. Cody Gakpo's status remains unclear, with Slot deeming it "a close call" on whether he’ll return to the starting eleven. Mohamed Salah, who leads the team with 24 goals this season, will look to add to his tally, hoping to exploit any vulnerabilities in City's defense.
The odds for this high-stakes match show Liverpool slightly favored at +120, compared to Manchester City’s +190. This dynamic could lead City to approach the game aggressively as they aim to end their streak of poor results against Liverpool, which includes eight winless matches at home against the Reds.
Pundits and bettors are leaning toward expectations of high goal counts from this fixture, with the over/under set at 3.5 goals, based on performances from both sides. Considering the attacking talent on display, including Salah and Foden, many anticipate fireworks.
Historically, Liverpool has had the edge recently, having secured multiple victories and maintaining consistent league form. This past success combined with City’s struggles creates a narrative of urgency for the hosts. Guardiola’s tactics will be put to the test, and fans will be eager to see whether City can rise to the occasion and pull off the upset.
Both clubs will be aiming to set the tone for the next phase of the season with this important clash, as they fight for league positions and European standings. With title aspirations on the line, every moment will count for both teams. Will Manchester City fight off the Liverpool challenge, or will the Reds assert their dominance once again?