Manchester City will face Liverpool in a highly anticipated Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, November 9, 2025, marking a pivotal clash between the second-placed hosts and third-placed visitors as both sides chase league leaders Arsenal. This encounter, part of the 2025-26 season, revives one of the Premier League’s fiercest rivalries, with City holding a slim one-point advantage after 11 games and Liverpool showing signs of resurgence following a turbulent October.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City enter the match on a strong run, having lost just once since early September across all competitions, while Arne Slot’s Liverpool have secured back-to-back clean-sheet victories to end a dismal streak of six defeats in seven games. The game carries extra weight as Guardiola’s 1000th match in management, promising intense competition that could reshape the title race before the November international break.
Kick-Off Time and Viewing Details
The match kicks off at 4:30 PM GMT (11:30 AM ET / 8:30 AM PT / 5:30 PM local Manchester time) at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. Referee Chris Kavanagh will officiate, with Michael Oliver handling VAR duties, ensuring a closely scrutinized performance in this high-profile showdown. In the UK, coverage starts at 4:00 PM on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with live streaming available through the Sky Go app or Now TV for subscribers.
Internationally, fans can watch via beIN Sports in the Middle East and North Africa, NBC Sports and Peacock in the US, and DAZN in parts of Europe, while highlights will follow on the Premier League’s official website and YouTube channel post-match. This timing allows for a full afternoon of build-up, including pre-game analysis on the tactical battles between Guardiola and Slot.
Team News: Manchester City
Manchester City head into the fixture with a relatively fit squad, but midfielder Mateo Kovacic is confirmed absent due to an ankle injury sustained earlier in the week, ruling him out for a significant period and forcing adjustments in the engine room. Rodri remains a major doubt, with Guardiola admitting the Spaniard is unlikely to feature before the international break as he continues recovery from a long-term fitness issue; Nico González stepped up impressively in his absence during the midweek Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund. Rayan Ait-Nouri has returned from a minor knock but may be eased back cautiously, potentially limiting him to a substitute role rather than a start.
No other major concerns plague the squad, allowing Guardiola flexibility in selection, though he may rotate slightly with Rúben Dias and Bernardo Silva pushing for recalls after strong showings in recent games. City’s depth is a key strength, with players like John Stones and Savinho ready to impact from the bench if needed.
Team News: Liverpool
Liverpool’s injury list presents more challenges, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker sidelined by an unspecified issue, forcing Illan Meslier or another deputy into the net for this crucial outing. Right-back Jeremie Frimpong is also out with a hamstring problem, while centre-back Giovanni Leoni remains unavailable due to a knee concern, weakening the defensive options for Arne Slot. Forward Alexander Isak could return from a groin injury to provide bench cover, but his minutes will be managed carefully to avoid a setback, meaning he is unlikely to start.
Positively, the Reds’ recent form has coincided with Andy Robertson’s reinstatement at left-back, displacing Milos Kerkez, and Slot is expected to stick with this setup unless fatigue demands changes ahead of internationals. The midfield duo of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister has been instrumental in the two consecutive shutouts, bolstering confidence despite the absences. Liverpool’s squad rotation will prioritize defensive stability to counter City’s attack.
Predicted Lineups
For Manchester City, the predicted starting XI in a 4-1-4-1 formation is: Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal; Matheus Nunes at right-back, Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol as centre-backs, and Rico Lewis (or O’Reilly variant in some reports) at left-back; Nico González anchoring midfield; Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders, Phil Foden, and Jérémy Doku in advanced midfield roles; with Erling Haaland leading the line as the focal point.
This setup emphasizes City’s possession dominance, with Foden’s creativity and Doku’s pace supporting Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess, who has already notched 13 league goals this season. Substitutes could include Ederson, John Stones, Savinho, and İlkay Gündoğan for late impact.
Liverpool’s predicted lineup adopts a 4-2-3-1 shape: Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal; Conor Bradley at right-back, Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk as the central defensive pairing, and Andy Robertson at left-back; Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in the double pivot; Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Cody Gakpo (or Florian Wirtz in attacking midfield) behind lone striker Hugo Ekitike. Salah’s milestone form, including his 250th goal for the club, will be central, while van Dijk’s leadership aims to neutralize Haaland in what could be a defining individual duel. Bench options might feature Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold (if fit), and a returning Isak for counter-attacking threats.
Recent Form
Manchester City’s recent form across all competitions stands at W-W-W-L-W, highlighted by a commanding 4-1 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund on November 5, where Haaland scored and González shone in midfield. Prior to that, they dismantled Bournemouth 3-1 in the Premier League on November 2, with Haaland’s brace underscoring their attacking fluency, and they sit unbeaten in their last seven league games, amassing 19 points from 11 matches.
Since April, City have been the Premier League’s top performers statistically, claiming 42 points from 19 games with the highest number of build-up attacks (60) and pass sequences (174 of 10+ passes), showcasing Guardiola’s tactical evolution. Their only recent stumble was a narrow defeat, but home form remains formidable, with nine wins in their last 10 Etihad outings.
Liverpool’s form has improved markedly to W-W-L-L-L-W (last six), bouncing back from a nightmare run with a 2-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa on November 1, where Salah’s strike sealed the points, followed by a morale-boosting 1-0 Champions League triumph against Real Madrid on November 4.
These results ended a streak of six losses in seven across competitions, lifting them to 18 points and reigniting title hopes under Slot, who previously beat City twice last season. Defensively, the clean sheets mark a turnaround, aided by Robertson’s return and Gravenberch-Mac Allister’s solidity, though vulnerabilities to long balls persist as a potential Achilles’ heel against City’s patient build-up. Away form has been mixed, but their 2-0 Etihad win in February 2025 broke a long drought.
Head-to-Head Record
In the last five meetings across all competitions, Manchester City have one win, Liverpool two, and two draws, with the most recent Premier League clash ending 2-0 to Liverpool at Anfield in May 2025. City have not beaten Liverpool in the league since 2023, suffering back-to-back 2-0 defeats last season—their first consecutive losses to the Reds since 2015-2016. Historically, Guardiola’s teams have won 10 of their last 12 Premier League games against reigning champions, including a 4-1 thrashing of Liverpool in 2021, but Liverpool could now claim consecutive away wins at City for the first time since 1987-1991.
These fixtures have produced 12 goals in the last four league encounters, averaging three per game, often decided by moments of individual brilliance like Salah’s or Haaland’s strikes. The rivalry’s intensity is unmatched, akin to El Clásico, with both managers acknowledging the global anticipation.
Key Stats and Insights
Ahead of kick-off, 20 key stats underline the matchup’s stakes: City lead the league in expected goals (xG) at 25.4 compared to Liverpool’s 19.8, but the Reds edge possession recovery in the final third (12 vs. 10). Haaland’s 13 goals in 10 league games make him the division’s top scorer, while Salah has contributed 8 goals and 7 assists, reaching 250 club goals.
Liverpool have conceded just 8 goals this season but struggled with 12 long-ball concessions leading to shots; City’s 60 build-up attacks dwarf the league average. Both teams average 2.1 points per game recently, with City unbeaten in 13 of 14 home games and Liverpool winning 4 of their last 5 away against top-six sides. Opta data favors City slightly for an outright win (48% probability), but Liverpool’s counter-threat gives them a 28% chance of victory and 24% for a draw.
Managers’ Perspectives
Pep Guardiola emphasized the need for peak performance, noting Liverpool’s rapid turnaround from six defeats to two wins mirrors City’s own past struggles, saying, “We must perform at our highest level. I understand how swiftly things can change here. My respect for Liverpool has grown significantly.” He highlighted the fixture’s volatility, drawing parallels to last season’s dips.
Arne Slot, in his first season, called it “a very intriguing match,” comparing it to the Clásico and admitting he was always glued to such games from afar in Holland: “These are the matches everyone looks forward to, and even if you’re not involved, you’re eager to watch.” Slot praised his team’s resurgence, crediting the Villa and Madrid wins for restoring basics, and aims to repeat last season’s double over City.
Key Battles and Tactical Outlook
The headline duel pits Erling Haaland against Virgil van Dijk, with the Norwegian’s clinical finishing (13 goals) testing the Dutchman’s aerial dominance and positioning in Liverpool’s high line. On the flanks, Mohamed Salah’s dribbling and end product will challenge City’s left-back—likely Lewis or Nunes—while Jérémy Doku’s speed could exploit Robertson’s forward runs.
Midfield will see Gravenberch and Mac Allister’s energy versus González and Reijnders’ control, crucial for transitions in a game expected to feature over 55% possession for City. Slot may opt for a compact shape to absorb pressure and counter, leveraging Gakpo’s versatility, while Guardiola’s patient build-up aims to break Liverpool’s recent defensive solidity. Set-pieces could prove decisive, with City scoring 25% of goals from dead balls and Liverpool vulnerable there.
Predictions and Betting Insights
Experts predict a closely contested affair, with Sports Illustrated forecasting a 1-2 Liverpool win, citing the Reds’ counter potential and recent clean sheets to edge a tense battle. GOAL anticipates a 2-2 draw, expecting end-to-end action from two improving sides, while Racing Post tips under 2.5 goals at 2.10 odds due to defensive emphases.
The Opta supercomputer gives City a 48% win probability, but Liverpool’s form suggests value in their +0.5 Asian handicap at 1.90. Haaland to score anytime (1.60 odds) and Salah over 1.5 shots (1.80) are popular bets, reflecting star reliance. Overall, a draw or narrow City victory aligns with historical tightness, but Liverpool’s revival could leapfrog them in the table.
