Liverpool vs Manchester City Prediction: Liverpool will likely defeat Manchester City 3-2 at Anfield on Sunday, February 8, 2026, as the hosts carry strong attacking momentum with 15 goals in their last four matches while Manchester City struggle with three consecutive winless away games and multiple defensive injuries.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League 2025/26 |
| Match Week | 25 |
| Date | Sunday, 8 February 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 10:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Anfield, Liverpool |
| TV (India) | Star Sports Select HD1, Star Sports Select 1 |
| Streaming (India) | JioHotstar |
| Liverpool Form | W-D-D-D-D (Last 5 PL) |
| Manchester City Form | D-W-D-D-D (Last 5 PL) |
Key Facts
- Liverpool secured their first Premier League win of 2026 with a commanding 4-1 victory over Newcastle United on February 1st.
- Manchester City drew 2-2 with Tottenham in their last league fixture, dropping crucial points in the title race.
- The Sky Blues defeated Liverpool 3-0 at the Etihad in November 2025 and could complete their first-ever Premier League double over the Reds.
- Liverpool currently sit sixth in the table with 39 points from 24 matches, while Manchester City occupy second place with 47 points.
- Arsenal lead the Premier League with 53 points, sitting six points clear of Manchester City.
- Liverpool have claimed 28 Premier League points when conceding first this season, the fourth-most in the league.
- Manchester City remain winless in their last three away matches, conceding at least two goals in each game.
- Florian Wirtz has registered nine direct goal involvements in his last 11 matches for Liverpool.
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Liverpool vs Manchester City Preview
Liverpool welcome Manchester City to Anfield for a crucial Premier League encounter that carries significant implications for both clubs.
The hosts desperately need points to secure a top-five finish, while the visitors must win to keep their fading title hopes alive.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool endured a frustrating start to 2026, collecting just two points from four consecutive draws before suffering a damaging 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth.
However, the Reds rediscovered their attacking prowess with a comprehensive 4-1 dismantling of Newcastle United.
Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz starred in that victory, showcasing the offensive firepower that made Liverpool champions last season.
The Merseyside club has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the campaign.
They continue to produce comebacks after falling behind, a trait that served them well during Jurgen Klopp’s final season.
Liverpool have scored 15 goals across their last four matches in all competitions, suggesting their attacking machinery has finally clicked into gear.
Manchester City arrive at Anfield in an unfamiliar position. Pep Guardiola’s side have dropped points in five of their last six Premier League matches, allowing Arsenal to build a commanding lead at the summit.
The 2-2 draw with Tottenham proved particularly costly, as Dominic Solanke’s second-half brace cancelled out goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo.
The Sky Blues did respond positively in midweek, defeating Newcastle 3-1 in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg to set up a Wembley final against Arsenal.
However, their recent away form raises concerns. City have failed to win any of their last three matches on the road, a statistic that Liverpool will look to exploit.
Current Standings
Premier League Table (Top 6)
- Arsenal – 53 points (24 matches)
- Manchester City – 47 points (24 matches)
- Aston Villa – 46 points (24 matches)
- Manchester United – 41 points (24 matches)
- Chelsea – 40 points (24 matches)
- Liverpool – 39 points (24 matches)
Liverpool trail fifth-placed Chelsea by one point and fourth-placed Manchester United by two points.
A victory would significantly boost their chances of securing Champions League qualification, while defeat could see them slip further behind with Brentford and Sunderland lurking just three points back.
Team News and Injuries
Liverpool Injuries
- Jeremie Frimpong (thigh) – ruled out
- Conor Bradley (knee) – unavailable
- Alexander Isak (leg) – sidelined
- Giovanni Leoni (knee) – out
- Joe Gomez (hip) – doubtful
Slot confirmed that Gomez has a slight chance of recovering in time, but new signing Frimpong remains unavailable.
The Dutch manager has no reason to change the winning formula from the Newcastle victory, meaning Wirtz and Ekitike should continue their productive partnership.
Manchester City Injuries
- Bernardo Silva (knock) – doubtful
- John Stones (thigh) – in training but not ready
- Josko Gvardiol (calf) – unavailable
- Mateo Kovacic (ankle) – out
- Jeremy Doku (calf) – sidelined
- Savinho (thigh) – ruled out
Guardiola faces significant selection dilemmas. Silva’s availability remains uncertain after picking up a knock against Tottenham, though Cherki proved capable of filling in during the Newcastle cup tie.
Ruben Dias returned to the bench in midweek after a month-long absence and could feature. Marc Guehi returns from EFL Cup ineligibility to strengthen the defensive options.
Predicted Liverpool vs Manchester City Lineups and Formation
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Guehi, Ake, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, O’Reilly; Cherki, Reijnders, Semenyo; Haaland
Tactical Analysis
Liverpool deploy a fluid 4-3-3 system that transitions into a 4-2-3-1 when Wirtz drops deeper.
The German playmaker has become central to their attacking play, operating between the lines and creating space for Salah and Ekitike.
Ryan Gravenberch provides defensive stability alongside Alexis Mac Allister, allowing the full-backs to push forward.
Manchester City maintain their possession-based approach but have shown vulnerability in transition.
Without Gvardiol’s recovery pace, they struggle when opponents break quickly. Rodri remains the fulcrum, dictating tempo and providing defensive cover.
Erling Haaland’s movement stretches defenses, creating space for Cherki and Semenyo to exploit.
Key Players to Watch
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)
The German midfielder has transformed Liverpool’s attack with nine direct goal involvements in his last 11 matches.
His ability to find pockets of space and deliver incisive passes makes him Liverpool’s creative heartbeat.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
The Egyptian returned to form with a goal and assist against Newcastle. His pace and finishing ability pose constant threats, particularly against City’s makeshift defense.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Guardiola called him “the best striker in the world” ahead of this fixture. Haaland scored in the reverse fixture and will target Liverpool’s high defensive line.
Rodri (Manchester City)
The Spanish midfielder controls City’s rhythm. His ability to break up play and initiate attacks proves crucial, especially away from home.
Head-to-Head Record
The recent history between these clubs shows competitive balance.
Manchester City won 3-0 at the Etihad in November 2025, but Liverpool claimed a 2-0 victory at Anfield in December 2024.
The previous season saw City win 2-0 at the Etihad while the Anfield fixture ended 1-1.
Liverpool have scored in four of the last five meetings, suggesting they can breach City’s defense.
However, City’s 3-0 win earlier this season demonstrated their ability to dominate at their best.
Where to Watch?
India: Star Sports Select HD1, Star Sports Select 1, JioHotstar
UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Go UK, NOW
USA: Peacock, SiriusXM FC
Australia: Stan Sport
Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
Liverpool vs Manchester City Prediction
Liverpool enter this fixture with renewed confidence after their Newcastle demolition.
The attacking trio of Wirtz, Ekitike, and Salah has found rhythm, scoring 15 goals in four matches.
Manchester City’s defensive absences and poor away form create opportunities for the hosts.
City’s midweek exertions in the EFL Cup could impact their energy levels, while Liverpool had an extra day’s rest.
The Anfield atmosphere will lift the home side, and their ability to score after conceding first provides insurance.
Predicted Score: Liverpool 3-2 Manchester City
Liverpool’s attacking momentum and home advantage should prove decisive. City will score through Haaland’s quality, but the hosts possess enough firepower to claim all three points.
This result would damage City’s title aspirations while boosting Liverpool’s top-five ambitions.
The match promises entertainment, with both teams committed to attacking football.
Liverpool’s recent goal-scoring form suggests they can exploit City’s defensive vulnerabilities, while Guardiola’s side will create chances through their technical superiority. The outcome could define both clubs’ seasons.
Read all Football Predictions.
FAQs
Where To Watch Liverpool vs Manchester City Live?
Indian viewers can watch Liverpool vs Manchester City live on Star Sports Select HD1, Star Sports Select 1, and JioHotstar, while UK fans can stream the match on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and NOW, with US audiences accessing coverage through Peacock streaming service.
Who Will Win Liverpool vs Manchester City Match?
Liverpool holds the advantage to win against Manchester City at Anfield because the Reds scored 15 goals in their last four matches across all competitions while City failed to win any of their last three away games and miss key defenders Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, and potentially Bernardo Silva through injuries.
What is Liverpool vs Manchester City Match Kick-Off Time?
Liverpool vs Manchester City kicks off at 10:00 PM IST on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Anfield Stadium for the Premier League 2025/26 season’s 25th matchweek fixture.
Are There Any Injuries in Liverpool vs Manchester City Match?
Liverpool miss Jeremie Frimpong (thigh), Conor Bradley (knee), Alexander Isak (leg), and Giovanni Leoni (knee) with Joe Gomez (hip) doubtful, while Manchester City face more severe injury problems with Josko Gvardiol (calf), Mateo Kovacic (ankle), Jeremy Doku (calf), Savinho (thigh), and John Stones (thigh) ruled out plus Bernardo Silva carrying a knock from the Tottenham match.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Liverpool vs Manchester City Match?
Liverpool will defeat Manchester City 3-2 at Anfield as the hosts exploit City’s defensive absences and poor away form (winless in three road games) while Florian Wirtz continues his exceptional run of nine goal involvements in 11 matches and Manchester City’s attacking quality through Erling Haaland ensures they score despite the defeat.
Manchester City Standing with Points?
Manchester City occupy second position in the Premier League 2025/26 table with 47 points from 24 matches after recording 14 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses with a goal difference of +26 (49 goals scored, 23 conceded), sitting six points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Liverpool Standing With Points?
Liverpool sit in sixth position in the Premier League 2025/26 standings with 39 points from 24 matches after achieving 11 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses with a goal difference of +6 (39 goals scored, 33 conceded), trailing fifth-placed Chelsea by one point and fourth-placed Manchester United by two points.