The eyes of the footballing world turn to Anfield this Sunday, February 8, 2026, for a clash that has defined the modern era of English football. While the face in the dugout has changed for the Reds, the intensity of Liverpool vs. Manchester City remains the gold standard of the Premier League.
Match Details
Fixture: Liverpool vs. Manchester City
Competition: Premier League (Matchday 25)
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: 16:30 GMT / 11:30 AM ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Referee: Craig Pawson
Pre-Match Analysis
Liverpool: The Slot Revolution Stabilizes
After a turbulent winter, Arne Slot’s Liverpool seems to have found its rhythm just in time. The Reds are coming off their first win of 2026—a hard-fought victory over Newcastle—which has restored belief at Anfield. Currently sitting in 6th place, Liverpool is in a desperate scrap for Champions League qualification, but a win here could catapult them back toward the top four.
Anfield has been a sanctuary this season. Despite spending over £400m in the summer on stars like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, Slot has faced criticism for prioritizing "nice football" over raw results. However, with Wirtz finding his feet between the lines and Mohamed Salah still as clinical as ever, the Reds possess the firepower to rattle a City side that has looked uncharacteristically fragile in transition.
Manchester City: Chasing the Gunners
Pep Guardiola’s side is currently engaged in a relentless pursuit of league leaders Arsenal. City sits in 2nd place, six points behind the Gunners, making this trip to Merseyside a "must-win" to keep the title race alive. Guardiola, celebrating his 1,000th game earlier this season with a 3-0 demolition of Liverpool at the Etihad, will be looking to complete a decisive league double.
Despite their depth, City has looked human lately. Possession remains, but the "machine-like" incision of previous years has occasionally faded. Guardiola has even publicly called for Carabao Cup rule changes ahead of their final against Arsenal, perhaps signaling the physical toll of a grueling campaign. With Erling Haaland leading the line, they always possess the ultimate "get out of jail free" card, but Anfield rarely offers easy passage.
Team News & Injury Reports
Liverpool Team News
Out: The Reds have a crisis at right-back. Jeremie Frimpong (groin) and Conor Bradley (knee) are both sidelined. Alexander Isak remains a long-term absentee with a broken leg, and Giovanni Leoni is out for the season.
Returning: Joe Gomez is back in training but unlikely to start; Ibrahima Konaté is expected to keep his place after his emotional goal against Newcastle.
Tactical Note: Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to continue deputizing at right-back, a role he has surprisingly impressed in during recent weeks.
Manchester City Team News
Out: Savinho and Jérémy Doku (calf) are ruled out until late February. Joško Gvardiol is out long-term, and John Stones remains a major doubt with muscle issues. Mateo Kovačić is also sidelined.
Doubtful: Bernardo Silva is struggling with physical discomfort and will face a late fitness test.
Returning: Rúben Dias is nearing a return but this match may come just too soon for a start.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Manchester City (4-3-3):
Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Aké; Rodri, De Bruyne, Foden; Grealish, Haaland, Bernardo Silva.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Reverse Fixture: City dominated the meeting in November 2025, winning 3-0 at the Etihad.
Anfield Factor: City has historically found Anfield their toughest assignment; Guardiola has often spoken of the "unique" pressure of the Kop.
Managerial Duel: Arne Slot was one of the few managers to hold a 100% record against Guardiola until the 3-0 defeat earlier this season.
Prediction: Liverpool 2–2 Manchester City
This match feels destined for a high-scoring stalemate. Liverpool’s makeshift right-back situation is a major concern that City will exploit, but the emotional energy of Anfield and the blossoming partnership between Wirtz and Ekitike should allow Liverpool to hurt a City defense missing the leadership of John Stones.
Top Betting Tips:
Both Teams to Score: Yes. A nearly guaranteed outcome given the attacking talent on display.
Over 2.5 Goals. Neither side knows how to play for a 0-0.
Anytime Scorer: Mohamed Salah. He loves the big occasion at Anfield and will relish testing a rotated City backline.
