Pep Guardiola will lead his defending champions into battle at Anfield today for one of the biggest games on the football calender.

Man City arrive to Anfield in turbulent form. The defending champions didn’t win a single game in November and are without a win in their last 6. A 0-4 thumping at home to Tottenham, followed by throwing away a 3 goal lead against Feyenoord midweek to draw 3-3, this is form Pep Guardiola has never seen in his managerial career.

However they ouse quality and Liverpool cannot forget that. Erling Haaland is the Premier League top scorer with 12, boasting a 1.1 XG per 90, his presence in-front of goal is menacing and will be a constant threat.

Anfield has never been Man City’s stopping ground. The last time City won at Anfield was behind closed doors in 2021 1-4, Liverpool lined-up with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in defence amongst an injury crisis. Evidently, an empty stadium and eery atmosphere had a part to play. It’s worth noting aside from that game Man City haven’t won at Anfield since 2003.

Last season saw controversy when Alexis MacAllister was kicked in the ribs by Jeremy Doku, late on, inside the penalty area. Referee Micheal Oliver opted not to award a penalty, Stuart Attwell on VAR decided not to intervene.

Liverpool have won some blockbuster clashes between the two in recent memory. Most notably a 7 goal thriller, goals from Oxlade-Chamberlain, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah saw Liverpool win 4-3 under the Anfield lights. Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson and Joe Gomez are the only players still at Liverpool out of the 11 named that day.

Arne Slot labelled Pep Guardiola “one of the best managers in the world” in his pre-match press conference. In Pep’s press conference he said “it doesn’t matter what happens on Sunday” in reference to the title race lasting until April, but these points will still count in April won’t they?

Man City are dealing with multiple injuries, including long-term absentees Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovacic, and Rodri. Pep Guardiola mentioned uncertainty about Jeremy Doku and John Stones after they missed the 3-3 draw with Feyenoord. Ruben Dias returned to the match-day squad for that game as an unused substitute.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to return too, but Conor Bradley’s status is uncertain after he and Ibrahima Konate picked up injuries on Wednesday. Arne Slot provided no injury update on Allison Becker. Liverpool are expected to still be without Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa and Kostas Tsimikas.

Liverpool look to pull away and extend that gap to 11 points clear of City After warming up against the European Champions midweek, Arne’s Slot machine looks to claim another punters pelf.

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