Liverpool vs Man City LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Alexis Mac Allister penalty ensures draw

A game that had everything except a crescendo - and maybe some accuracy. As high as the standards to this rivalry have been over Jurgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool, there was a symbolism in how it was error that characterised another otherwise brilliant match against Manchester City. Liverpool lost John Stones for the first goal before a misplaced Nathan Ake pass gave up the equaliser, as so many chances were missed.

That may actually be better for the title race, since imperfection tends to produce much more drama than perfection. This 1-1 draw was certainly best for Arsenal, who stay top of the league on goal difference.

Such margins reflect how this game itself had echoes from then high ceilings of the first Liverpool-City title race in 2018-19, as there were so many near misses that may yet bring this down to mere millimetres again.

There was still the sense that Liverpool will feel they deserved more than the draw, although they can take considerable confidence from how a depleted side took it to City. Follow live reaction from Liverpool vs Manchester City below and get the latest match odds here.

Liverpool vs Man City LIVE: Latest updates from Premier League title clash

• Liverpool XI: Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez. Endo, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Diaz, Nunez, Elliott.

• Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Ake, Rodri, De Bruyne, Silva, Foden, Haaland, Alvarez.

• No goal - Diaz nets but Nunez ruled offside in buildup

• Goal - Stones scores near post after De Bruyne corner (0-1, 24’)

• Goal - Mac Allister converts penalty after Ederson fouls Nunez (1-1, 50’)

• Report - Liverpool 1 Man City 1

Liverpool FC 1 - 1 Manchester City FC

Big misses and defensive errors leave Premier League title race awaiting final act

18:47 , Chris Wilson

A game that had everything except a crescendo - and maybe some accuracy. As high as the standards to this rivalry have been over Jurgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool, there was a symbolism in how it was error that characterised another otherwise brilliant match against Manchester City. Liverpool lost John Stones for the first goal before a misplaced Nathan Ake pass gave up the equaliser, as so many chances were missed.

That may actually be better for the title race, since imperfection tends to produce much more drama than perfection. This 1-1 draw was certainly best for Arsenal, who stay top of the league on goal difference.

Such margins reflect how this game itself had echoes from then high ceilings of the first Liverpool-City title race in 2018-19, as there were so many near misses that may yet bring this down to mere millimetres again.

There was still the sense that Liverpool will feel they deserved more than the draw, although they can take considerable confidence from how a depleted side took it to City.

Big misses and defensive errors leave Premier League title race awaiting final act

Player ratings

18:36 , Chris Wilson

So, Liverpool come from behind to draw 1-1 with Manchester City in a huge game at the top of the Premier League.

Alexis Mac Allister’s penalty cancelled out John Stones’ first-half effort and despite a few later near-misses from Luis Diaz, the points were shared. Here are the player ratings from Anfield.

Liverpool vs Man City player ratings as Van Dijk impresses in title tussle draw

Klopp gives his thoughts

18:30 , Chris Wilson

Jurgen Klopp is animated as he speaks to the media, saying he is “really happy” with the performance and the result.

He believes that the late challenge from Doku was a penalty, saying: “It was 100% penalty. They will find an explanation. It was 100% foul in all areas of the pitch and probably a yellow card.

He calls the second half his side’s “best ever performance against City”.

“They hit the post of course but we should have scored two or three goals. Exceptional football game.

“I don’t think I’ve seen them struggling like they were today. We were outstanding.

“The mother of all results is the performance. The good things we have to keep doing.”

Guardiola’s turn to speak to the media

18:23 , Chris Wilson

Pep Guardiola is the first of the managers to speak to Sky.

“We started really well but they are incredible team,” he says.

“We had our moments, they had theirs. The way they play it is not easy. We take that point.

“I know how difficult it is at Anfield. Both sides are incredible competitors. I would prefer a win but they prove for many years the quality they have. It was good from everyone.

“We still have 10 games to go, many things can happen.”

Stones speaks to Sky

18:15 , Chris Wilson

John Stones thinks that City were in control in the first half, and “could’ve been two or three up, but that’s football”.

“We know what we’re coming into coming here. We feel a bit deflated – we came here to win, but the is such a difficult place to come.

“They’re a top side and we know what quality they’ve got.”

The goalscorer says that City now need to “treat every game as a final, as a must-win. [Let’s] take the positives and look forward.”

Virgil van Dijk speaks to Sky

18:10 , Chris Wilson

The Liverpool captain, who is awarded man of the match, is first to speak to Sky along with Jarell Quansah. He says the second half was “much better than the first”.

“We had very good chances but unfortunately couldn’t convert them. Based on the second half we should have won it, but they had a shot that hit the post as well.

“City has been very successful, and I think every game we’ve played has been very intense. They have quality all over the pitch, that’s why they won the treble last year. To come away with a point is not a bad situation.”

On Quansah, he says the “sky is the limit” for the youngster.

The title run-in

18:05 , Chris Wilson

All three teams have other worries before their next Premier League matches.

Liverpool face Sparta Prague on 14 March before an FA Cup tie away at Manchester United on Sunday.

Arsenal face Porto in the Champions League in midweek, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

City face Newcastle in the FA Cup on Saturday 16 March.

FULLT-TIME: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

18:04 , Chris Wilson

One point separates the three teams at the top with 10 games to go.

Arsenal sit top on 64 points, with a goal difference of 46. Liverpool have the same number of points but a 39 goal difference, while City have one less point and a goal difference of 35.

City play Arsenal at home in the next round of Premier League fixtures on 31 March. Arsenal then play Luton at home before travelling to Brighton, while City host Villa before going away to Crystal Palace.

Liverpool play Brighton and Sheffield United at home before a huge game away at Manchester United on 7 April.

FULLT-TIME: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:57 , Chris Wilson

An excellent game overall; very entertaining, and at times it really was edge-of-the-seat stuff.

City were the dominant side in the first half, but that Ake mistake turned the game on its head, and Liverpool had the best of the second half. On the balance of second-half chances, Liverpool probably deserved another goal, but a draw is a fair enough result.

Klopp and Guardiola shared an embrace at the end of the game, though Klopp will likely be rueing some of those missed opportunities.

FULLT-TIME: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:52 , Chris Wilson

FULLT-TIME: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:46 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME! The referee blows the final whistle after the liverpool corner is cleared.

Full-time, and Arsenal end the weekend on top of the Premier League. Liverpool are in second only on goal difference, with city a point behind.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:44 , Chris Wilson

98 mins: There are shouts for a penalty as Doku follows through on Mac Allister’s chest. It is tight but Doku did win the ball first. We finish with one last Liverpool corner.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:43 , Chris Wilson

96 mins: The game is in danger pf petering out as both teams probably begin to realise that a point isn’t a bad result. Liverpool certainly look more urgent, and a ball into the box lands at the feet of Gakpo. Rather than shoot he lays it off to Salah, who is challenged by Ake as the ball rolls past him.

There are shouts for a penalty but it was never going to be given.

Liverpool go back up the other end and win a corner. It’ll likely be the last action of the game.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:40 , Chris Wilson

94 mins: Doku is released down the right again, but his ball into the box is wasteful. Liverpool have the ball again but time is running out. City look like they’re picking the right time to attack or sit back.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:39 , Chris Wilson

92 mins: Liverpool continue to pile on the pressure, though they aren’t really threatening City as it stands.

A corner is easily cleared, but City can’t keep possession. Eliott releases Salah down the wing, and his cross is met by Gakpo, who hits the post. Elliott turns in the rebound well, but the whistle went for offside before Salah had even crossed.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:36 , Chris Wilson

90 mins: After that Doku chance, Liverpool went right up the other end. Salah was through on the right, but his cross is straight to Ortega.

We’ll have eight minutes of added time.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:35 , Chris Wilson

88 mins: CLOSE! City have their best chance of the half. Kovacic releases Haaland, who holds it up well and plays it across to Doku. The Belgian shimmies across Gomez and gets a shot away – it bounces off the inside of the far post and into Kelleher’s hands!

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:33 , Chris Wilson

86 mins: The game has calmed down somewhat, though it only takes a second to ignite. In truth, City look like they’d be happy with a point here, with Liverpool having peppered their goal for a decent portion of the half. Guardiola is clearly irritated on the touchline – he looks a little in disbelief.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:29 , Chris Wilson

83 mins: Liverpool come again, with Joe gomez driving into the box and playing through Diaz. The ball runs long and Diaz can’t make anything of it.

Another opportunity quickly arises, with Diaz arriving near the penalty spot but Walker is there to clear. The right-back stays down injured for a couple of minutes.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:27 , Chris Wilson

81 mins: Luis Diaz does exceptionally well down the left, managing to dribble past both Rodri and Walker (the latter on two occasions). He hits a cross that is blocked by Walker, but Liverpool can’t create anything from the corner.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:25 , Chris Wilson

80 mins: Jarell Quansah ends up with the ball on the edge of the box, and he tries his luck. It’s easily saved by Ortega, but the rebound isn’t far from being tucked in by Gakpo.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:24 , Chris Wilson

78 mins: Doku has the ball on the right, but his shot is weak and a deflection takes it into the arms of Kelleher. Liverpool attack at the other end but it comes to nothing, and is well marshalled by Ake.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:22 , Chris Wilson

75 mins: City look a little more settled once again. Their possession is taking the sting out of the game, and the Anfield crowd is a little annoyed.

Gakpo comes on for Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan had been the focal point of the attack, but he’d been offside countless times today.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:19 , Chris Wilson

73 mins: CLOSE! This would’ve been a freak goal. A cross is played towards Foden but Kelleher reaches it first. His save bounces off Foden and hits the bar before going out!

On replay, it did hit Foden’s arm, so likely would’ve been ruled out.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:17 , Chris Wilson

71 mins: CLOSE! City have looked shaky for a good portion of this second half, but you wouldn’t bet against them nicking it.

Just as that is typed, Liverpool go close again! Robertson is released down the left, and his powerful cross is in between the ‘keeper and the defence. It is met by Nunez, but Ortega is close enough to save well.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:14 , Chris Wilson

68 mins: Robertson tries to fling in an early cross, but it’s (accidentally) arrowed straight towards the top right-hand corner. It goes wide, but it had Ortega worried.

City do make two changes: Doku and Kovacic come on for Alvarez and Kevin De Bruyne.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:12 , Chris Wilson

66 mins: City attack again but Walker’s cross goes off for a throw on the other side of the pitch. It looks like Guardiola is going to make some changes.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:11 , Chris Wilson

65 mins: Liverpool continue to pile on pressure. Mac Allister curls a shot from just outside the box, but Ortega is equal to it.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:10 , Chris Wilson

63 mins: CLOSE! Again it’s Diaz! Nunez plays a ball across from the right-hand side of the box and Diaz is clean through again, but the pass is a little behind him and his first touch allows Walker to get back and poke it behind.

From the corner, Salah has his first real involvement of the game as he hits a shot wide.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:08 , Chris Wilson

62 mins: CLOSE! City’s first attack ends with the ball being intercepted, and Diaz has the best chance of the half!

The Colombian is played through with a diagonal ball and he’s one-on-one with Ortega. He opens his body up to try and plant it in the far corner, but gets too much on it and it goes wide!

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:05 , Chris Wilson

59 mins: Klopp clearly sees this as time to seize an opportunity, as he’s preparing to make some subs. Elsewhere, Silva is booked.

Liverpool are clearly in the ascendency now, with City losing the ball to easily. Gomez intercepts a pass and lays it to Szoboszlai, but his shot is wild and doesn’t trouble Ortega.

Szoboszlai and Bradley are replaced by Salah and Robertson.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:04 , Chris Wilson

56 mins: Ederson went straight down the tunnel as he came off, and he was holding his groin. City will hope he’s back as soon as possible; Ortega is a capable number two, but is he as reliable in possession?

The Anfield crowd is turning up the volume now. Quansah gets into trouble when he’s tackled by Alvarez on the edge of the box, but van Dijk saves him. Soon after, Kelleher saves from Foden.

Liverpool go up the other end, and Diaz is put through on goal, but his touch is poor and it runs to Ortega!

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

17:00 , Chris Wilson

53 mins: Ederson is down, having seemingly injured himself in the challenge that led to the penalty. It looks like City are going to forced into the first substitution of the day.

The Brazilian is replaced by Stefan Ortega.

Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:56 , Chris Wilson

49 mins: GOAL! Alexis Mac Allister steps up. He waits for a little bit after the whistle, and blasts a penalty across his body and into the left-hand corner. Ederson dived the right way but that was an excellent penalty. 1-1, and Anfield has found its voice again.

PENALTY! Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:53 , Chris Wilson

46 mins: PENALTY! A stonewall penalty for Liverpool. Ake sells Ederson short on a backwards pass and Nunez is first to it. Ederson goes to kick it but just takes Nunez out, and it’s a penalty and yellow card for the Brazilian keeper.

HALF-TIME: Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:50 , Chris Wilson

Salah is indeed warming up, but there are no half-time changes from either side. Both teams are back out for the second half, with City getting us started once again.

HALF-TIME: Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:45 , Chris Wilson

So a John Stones goal is all that separates the two sides at the break. City have certainly been the better side, but Liverpool have had their chances and more possession (54 per cent to City’s 46). Both teams have had seven shots, with the away side having four on target and Liverpool having one.

City have lived dangerously at times, but have always been a threat, and only some uncharacteristically sloppy passes have stopped them from having more clear-cut opportunities.

The home side will have taken a lot of encouragement from that half though, with only the final product missing on one or two chances. You wonder when we’ll see Mo Salah.

16:40 , Chris Wilson

HALF-TIME: Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:34 , Chris Wilson

46 mins: Liverpool go down the other end and threaten. Bradley’s ball in is well intercepted by Stones, who remains calm to avoid a challenge and clear.

Right after, Rodri is booked for a cynical challenge on Mac Allister. From the free-kick, Szoboszlai hits a powerful drive but Ederson saves, and the referee blows the whistle for half-time.

Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:32 , Chris Wilson

45 mins: There’ll be two minutes of added time.

Just as the board goes up, Walker is released down the right and has the entire half to run into. He surges into the box and it’s opened up for a tap-in at the far post, but he puts too much on the ball and De Bruyne can’t get to it.

Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:30 , Chris Wilson

43 mins: van Dijk does well to intercept a De Bruyne pass, but then Haaland comes behind him and picks his pocket. He lays it off to Alvarez, whose shot is over the bar.

Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:29 , Chris Wilson

41 mins: CLOSE! Mac Allister releases Szoboszlai, who plays it on to Diaz on the left. The Colombian cuts in and hits a shot to the near post, but it’s narrowly wide. He needs to hit the target there really.

City continue to try and slow the game down, taking their time with free-kicks and throw-ins.

Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:25 , Chris Wilson

38 mins: Liverpool counter once more, but the attempt comes to nothing. Now it’s City’s turn to counter, and Haaland is one-v-one with van Dijk. He gets the shot bayaway but it’s straight at Kelleher.

Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:23 , Chris Wilson

36 mins: A worrying moment for Liverpool as dE bruyne drives at goal, but his shot is deflected behind for a corner. The Belgian’s ball in is cleared, but City retain possession. The away side have managed to calm the game down a bit by keeping possession.

Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:21 , Chris Wilson

34 mins: City have lost the ball in worrying positions a couple of times so far, but they haven’t been punished. Alvarez is the latest to do so, but Bradley’s shot is deflected and doesn’t trouble Ederson. City counter, and Haaland is tackled on the box but it goes out for a City corner.

This one is hit deeper, but is easily cleared.

Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:18 , Chris Wilson

30 mins: That goal came just as Liverpool were somewhat in the ascendency, but they haven’t let it affect their play too much. They’re looking to get the ball wide where possible, using the threat of Diaz down the left especially. Bradley is providing a useful outlet too.

The ball comes to the young Irishman on the right and he lays it off backwards for Elliott. His clipped ball into the box is inviting, but Szoboszlai’s header loops just over the bar.

Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:13 , Chris Wilson

26 mins: Liverpool threaten to equalise almost straight away, but Nunez is penalised for offside after a quick counter.

The home side are enjoying some sustained possession, and Diaz is released down the left, but his ball is intercepted by Foden. The game’s being played at a frantic pace at the moment.

GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City

16:11 , Chris Wilson

24 mins: GOAL! John Stones puts City ahead! It’s a well-worked set piece: Ake blocks off Mac Allister at the near post, and De Bruyne sends in a low cross to the area. John Stones is arriving and bundles the ball into the net.

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City

16:09 , Chris Wilson

22 mins: Bernardo Silva gets in down the left, and his clipped cross is towards Halaand but van Dijk does well to clear and City have a corner.

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City

16:08 , Chris Wilson

20 mins: Liverpool’s pressing is certainly unsettling City – they were nowhere near this uncomfortable last week in the derby. Guardiola looks irritated on the touchline.

City provide a reminder of their threat as Alvarez plays in De Bruyne, but Liverpool do well to clear. Soon after, Rodri plays a cross-field ball to Foden, but his cross is blocked.

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City

16:05 , Chris Wilson

18 mins: OFFSIDE! Liverpool have the ball in the back of the net but Nunez is quite far offside. He was played clean through and cut it across for Diaz, but the VAR check takes no time at all.

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City

16:04 , Chris Wilson

17 mins: De Bruyne does well to free Foden down the wing, and the youngster cuts inside before releasing a shot which is blocked. The follow-up from Alvarez is also blocked, and Liverpool look to counter but Kyle Walker puts an end to it with a foul near halfway.

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City

16:02 , Chris Wilson

15 mins: Liverpool have come close to a couple of good opportunities now, with Szoboszlai narrowly missing a ball across the box from Nunez.

A minute later, Diaz puts in a lovely cross but it comes at Nunez quickly and his header is poor.

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City

15:59 , Chris Wilson

13 mins: City are managing to find gaps, but no clinical end product yet. They’ve produced both of the shots on target so far.

Liverpool are looking to spread the play and they do so very well. Van Dijk plays a long ball to Bradley, who does excellently to turn Ake inside-out before fizzing in a cross, but Nunez can’t get across to it.

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City

15:57 , Chris Wilson

10 mins: Liverpool almost counter from a City corner, but Silva moves Nunez off the ball too easily. The home side have the ball once more, but Nunez tries to be clever and loses it on halfway.

Boos are ringing around Anfield as City have some sustained possession, but the ball soon ends up with Kelleher.

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City

15:54 , Chris Wilson

8 mins: Elliott tries the cross-field ball but Walker intercepts. Rodri plays it to Haaland on halfway, and the Norwegian turns provider for De Bruyne, but his cross is over the bar.

City attack again and De Bruyne finds himself in space in front of goal, but his shot is easily parried by Kelleher.

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City

15:52 , Chris Wilson

6 mins: Ederson sets Foden away, but Liverpool win it back, and Walker fouls Szoboszlai on the halfway line.

Liverpool are enjoying some sustained possession for the first time in the game now. It looks like their game plan will involve a lot of the high pressing that we’ve become used to seeing under Klopp.

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City

15:50 , Chris Wilson

4 mins: Liverpool try the long ball over the top to Nunez, but Ederson collects.

Rodri tries to ping a diagonal over the top to De Bruyne in the box, but it goes out of play for a goal kick.

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City

15:48 , Chris Wilson

2 mins: There’s some atmosphere at Anfield, and City attempt to quieten it almost straight away as De Bruyne lays it off to Foden in the box. He tries to take it past Gomez but is tackled.

City win the ball back shortly after and the ball falls to Alvarez on the left of the box, but his shot is saved by Kelleher.

KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City

15:46 , Chris Wilson

KICK-OFF! The two managers exchange a brief handshake as the two teams change ends. The songs come to and end, and Liverpool get us underway.

Liverpool vs Manchester City LIVE

15:44 , Chris Wilson

The teams have come out of the tunnel, and Anfield is in fine voice.

Flags and scarves are raised all around the ground as the two sides line up and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is played.

Pre-match interviews

15:39 , Chris Wilson

It is Jurgen Klopp’s turn to speak to Sky. He is quick to downplay the occasion as his last game against City while in charge of Liverpool (in the league anyway).

“Sold out Anfield, what can I say? I am really excited.

“I am a very emotional person but I don’t feel it at the moment, I am just happy to be here and hopefully we can do it.

On his gameplan, he says that Liverpool must be “super brave and to do all the things with full conviction. It is required in the moment, we have to be there and really fight with all you have and play with all you have in the moments”.

Pre-match interviews

15:34 , Chris Wilson

Pep Guardiola speaks to Sky Sports, and says that it is a “massive game”, but emphasises that “there’s, still a lot [to go]” in terms of the title race.

“We try to focus on what we have to do. You always have to perform well against the top sides,” he adds. A man of few words before the game.

The fans are arriving at Anfield as the atmosphere heats up

15:33 , Sonia Twigg

Here are some photos from around the ground:

Pre-match warm-ups

15:32 , Chris Wilson

Betting odds and predictions

15:27 , Chris Wilson

City are favourites for todays game, at odds of 23/20. A home win is offered at 12/5, with a draw priced at 3/1. Odds will likely have changed again once it was announced that neither of Konate or Salah will start.

For the title, City are favourites to retain their crown, and are priced at 11/10 to win. Liverpool are ranked at 9/4, with Arsenal offered at 3/1.

Liverpool vs Man City predictions: Premier League betting tips, odds and free bets

Jamie Carragher speaks about importance of Kelleher

15:26 , Sonia Twigg

Jamie Carragher says Kelleher has “stopped Liverpool losing games” and that with him in the side, Alisson Becker has not been missed by the current league leaders.

Is Liverpool vs Man City on TV?

15:22 , Chris Wilson

Just a reminder of how you can watch today’s game, which kicks off at the unusual time of 3.45pm.

The two sides face each other in a potential Premier League title decider at Anfield as Jurgen Klopp takes on Pep Guardiola for what could be the final time in England.

Klopp and Guardiola’s rivalry has been one of the defining aspects of the Premier League in recent seasons with both clubs battling for the title until the final day of the season in 2019 and 2022.

The Reds are once again challenging Guardiola’s side in the title race and lead the champions by one point in the table. The game will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage starting from 3pm.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

Is Liverpool vs Man City on TV? Channel, time and how to watch online

Jurgen Klopp speaks ahead of the match

15:18 , Sonia Twigg

Here is that interview with Klopp:

Liverpool vs Man City

15:15 , Sonia Twigg

Liverpool’s players have made their way onto the field to warm up, but they will need to be on form to get anything out of the game against the high-flying Man City.

Jurgen Klopp reveals why Salah is on the bench

15:10 , Sonia Twigg

Jurgen Klopp spoke to Sky Sports about the decision to start Salah on the bench: “I wouldn’t have even thought about him starting the game. I think you have to learn from things in life. Not that last time it was too early. It was just unlucky that he got a little setback.

“We talked about that with Mo as well. It was not his idea or my idea to start him today. It will be an intense game and we can bring him on, which is super cool. But it was not a big decision.”

Jamie Carragher speaks on Michael Edwards’ return

15:00 , Sonia Twigg

Jamie Carragher spoke to Sky Sports about the return of Michael Edwards to Anfield: “He knows the club and is a top operator. Whether there was a falling out when he left with Jurgen Klopp, who wanted more of a say on things - but you’d expect that.

“That happens when managers become successful. They become powerful. I think the manager is the most important person at this club. It always will be. The success here has been down to Klopp, yes, he’s had help, and Michael Edwards has been a part of that.”

Man City team

14:49 , Sonia Twigg

Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Ake, Rodri, De Bruyne, Silva, Foden, Haaland, Alvarez.

Substitutes: Ortega, Dias, Kovacic, Doku, Gomez, Gvardiol, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis.

Man City team news

14:49 , Sonia Twigg

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola made two changes from his side’s 3-1 win in the derby last weekend.

Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez come into the side with Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku making way.

Liverpool team

14:48 , Sonia Twigg

Liverpool XI: Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez. Endo, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Diaz, Nunez, Elliott.

Substitutes: Adrian, Robertson, Tsimikas, Salah, Gakpo, McConnell, Clark, Nallo, Koumas.

Liverpool team news

14:47 , Sonia Twigg

Jurgen Klopp has made four changes from Liverpool’s last-gasp win over Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Mohamed Salah was not considered fit enough to start and was named on the bench, but Darwin Nunez was named in the XI.

As expected, Ibrahima Konate misses out with an injury sustained during Liverpool’s Europa League away match against Sparta Praha.

Liverpool injury news

14:40 , Sonia Twigg

The reports are in suggesting that Ibrahima Konate has not travelled with the Liverpool team and is not likely to be in the squad for the upcoming match.

“It’s massive,” said Micah Richards on Sky Sports when asked about what the absence of the central defender could mean.

“I’m not going to dress it up any other way. With his pace, his physicality and his partnership with Van Dijk as well.

“With the runs Haaland likes to make in behind, I think that’s a massive blow for Liverpool, I really do.”

Liverpool vs Manchester City: Latest Premier League updates

14:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Early team news

Mohamed Salah is back for Liverpol after he returned from a hamstring injury in midweek, but he may have to start from the bench. Ibrahima Konate came off injured in the 5-1 winover Sparta Prague and will be assessed, as will Joe Gomez. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Curtis Jones and Alisson all remain out, which means Caoimhin Kelleher will remain in goal.

Manchester City will be without Jack Grealish, while Jeremy Doku picked up a fresh problem in midweek and could miss out.

Can Man City end their woeful Anfield record?

14:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester City’s Anfield record is notoriously poor. City have won just once at Anfield in front of a crowd since 1981, when Nicolas Anelka scored a double 21 years ago. They did triumph there 4-1 behind closed doors in 2021 but the atmosphere will be completely different this weekend.

City defender Akanji said: “It definitely will be massive. The winner will go to the top of the league. I don’t want to talk about the title race but it would be a big win for us.

Manuel Akanji feels it is about time City put an end to their Anfield hoodoo. “We haven’t done the best there in the past – but why not change it this weekend?” he said.

“We know how hard it is but we’ll go there and try to get the three points like we always do. I’ve only played there once – we lost there 1-0 – but it’s a really good stadium, the atmosphere is great and the team is one of the best and that’s what makes it difficult.

“But in the end we just focus on us, even if the crowd is pushing them. If we put on the type of performance we want then I think we can win the game.”

Could Jarrell Quansah feature against Manchester City?

14:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Liverpool had planned to have Ibrahima Konate alongside Van Dijk to help manage the free-scoring Norwegian, but saw their plans dented when the former was injured in Thursday’s Europa League thrashing of Sparta Prague.

While awaiting the result of scans Klopp did not appear optimistic about Konate’s chances, but made it clear he would have no qualms throwing rookie Jarrell Quansah into the biggest game of his career if required.

A year ago the 21-year-old was lining up against Forest Green during a loan spell at Bristol Rovers but circumstances have allowed him to progress further and faster than anyone expected. Injuries across the backline thrust him up the pecking order and his response has earned the manager’s trust.

“Massive, massive development. He just stepped up,” said Klopp. “He came back (from Rovers) and it wasn’t that everybody in the club was saying, ‘yeah, he will be the next one’. We knew he is a real talent, we knew he has massive strength, especially on the ball, stuff like this. But how will he deal with the next-quality Premier League strikers? How is that physicality?

“We thought the situation in the squad is right to do so. If you want (he was) centre-half number five in that moment. But he showed immediately that he wants to be in the team in each session and it’s a joy, a pure joy, to have him.”

Virgil van Dijk has plenty of Man City ‘options’ to worry about

13:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Jurgen Klopp has stressed Liverpool vs Man City is more than Virgil van Dijk vs Erling Haaland - the best defender in the Premier League against its best striker.

“Football doesn’t work like that any more. If Haaland is not scoring that is good but they have other options to do that,” he said.

“If Virgil van Dijk would be able to nullify Haaland then (Phil) Foden fires the ball in from 30 yards into the far corner, or Kevin De Bruyne does exactly the same, or Rodri is arriving, or Bernardo Silva is doing it.

“I don’t think for a second like that, that they are playing against each other. Yes, there are moments it definitely will happen, 100 per cent, and hopefully we will be at the better end that, but this football game is about so many aspects.

“When you watch the movement of Erling Haaland he is incredibly smart putting himself in positions. He’s smart enough not to all of the time be around the one he might consider the best one.”

Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures?

13:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Arsenal

Points: 64

Avg. opponents PpG: 1.63

Difficulty: ★★★★

Or is it Arsenal? It depends on whether Mikel Arteta’s side learnt their lesson from last season. The Gunners won just three of their final nine Premier League games last year, including a four-game winless run, as they fell away in the title race.

They cannot afford a repeat of that and it will start, you would think, with their return to the Etihad on 31 March. Arsenal have lost eight in a row away to Manchester City and their last win came in January 2015, so even a draw there would be a huge boost ahead of April and May.

There, Arsenal will also have to face tricky games against Aston Villa and Tottenham - their trip across North London in late April should be an epic. Visits to Roberto de Zerbi’s Brighton and Gary O’Neil’s Wolves could be difficult, too, while Old Trafford looms large on the penultimate weekend of the season.

Arsenal lost the title away from home last season - with defeat at the Etihad and costly dropped points from winning positions at Anfield and the London Stadium. Their fate this season will be determined on the road again, while participation in the latter stages of the Champions League will also make this season’s title race a different challenge.

A result of Arsenal’s stunning recent attacking form - with eight wins in a row in the Premier League - is the Gunners now possess the best goal difference in the Premier League.

Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures?

13:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester City

Points: 62

Avg. opponents PpG: 1.62

Difficulty: ★★★★

After a difficult first-half of the campaign, have the champions once again found their title-winning form when it counts? Pep Guardiola’s side have won nine of their last 10 in the Premier League, but until beating Manchester United on Sunday, all of those wins were against teams who were eighth or lower in the table.

That all changes as City head to Anfield, kicking off a run where the champions take on four of the Premier League’s top-five in their next six fixtures. That includes the back-to-back with title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal, either side of the international break, followed by a trip to Tottenham, where City have never won in the Premier League under Guardiola.

If City come through that run on top, they will surely end up as champions for a fourth straight year. A trip to Brighton is yet to be rearranged, while City have Luton and Wolves at home in between potential Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals in April and early May. City’s run-in is tricky, but the difficulty is front-loaded.

Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures?

13:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Liverpool

Points: 63

Avg. opponents PpG: 1.44

Difficulty: ★★★1/2

After near misses in 2019 and 2022, Liverpool know they must be close to perfect to dethrone Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the title race. This Sunday’s clash at Anfield could go a long way - with Guardiola yet to beat Liverpool at Anfield in front of a crowd.

From there, the Reds have a favourable run, although a second trip to Old Trafford in a matter of weeks (following the FA Cup quarter-final on 17 March) stands out for obvious reasons, as does a Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, in a fixture could be rearranged for late in the season. Jurgen Klopp does not have the best away records at Liverpool’s two biggest rivals.

Apart from that, the key clashes to look out for could be against sides chasing Champions League football, with fixtures against Tottenham at Anfield and a trip to Aston Villa giving Liverpool a tricky final three when Wolves at home on the final day is also considered.

Having already won the Carabao Cup, Klopp’s side are also still in the FA Cup and Europa League. In 2022, they took their pursuit of the quadruple all the way - even if they fell short in the Champions League final and in the title race. The Reds are once again heading for a dramatic final few weeks - but could Klopp lift the Premier League in his final season?

Guardiola gives short response to Alexander-Arnold’s Man City comments

12:45 , Jamie Braidwood

And Pep Guardiola refused to comment on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s claim that trophies “mean more” at Liverpool after the Reds vice-captain stoked up the rivalry between the teams ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash.

The City manager said: “I wish him a speedy recovery and come back to the pitch as soon as possible.”

Alexander-Arnold scored a late equaliser when Liverpool drew 1-1 at the Etihad earlier this season but will miss Sunday’s fixture at Anfield due to a knee injury.

When Guardiola was pushed further later in his press conference, he replied: “I would answer but, why? Honestly. It is what it is.”

Haaland gives cheeky response to Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool trophy claim

12:30 , Jamie Braidwood

But Manchester City striker Erling Haaland quickly reminded Trent Alexander-Arnold that he has won the treble and Liverpool have not after the Reds vice-captain claimed trophies “mean more” at Anfield.

When Alexander-Arnold’s comments were put to Haaland by Sky Sports News, the Norwegian responded: “If he wants to say that, ok.

“I’ve been here one year and I won the treble and that was quite a nice feeling. I don’t think he knows exactly this feeling. That’s what I felt last season and it was quite nice.

“They can talk as much as they want, or he can talk as much as he wants. I don’t know why he does that, but I don’t mind.”

Klopp defends Alexander-Arnold after sparking Liverpool-Man City debate

12:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Jurgen Klopp has said there is “nothing wrong” with Trent Alexander-Arnold saying trophies “mean more” to Liverpool than they do at Manchester City and believes the vice-captain should be allowed to say how he feels about his boyhood club ahead of this weekend’s title clash.

Alexander-Arnold called Manchester City a “machine that is built to win” during an interview to FourFourTwo this week as he reflected on a rivalry that has defined the Premier League in the era of Klopp and Pep Guardiola.

Manchester City have won five Premier League titles to Liverpool’s one during that spell, with the Reds falling just short after taking the title race to the final day in both 2019 and 2022.

Despite that, Alexander-Arnold said: “Looking back on this era, although they’ve won more titles than us and have probably been more successful, our trophies will mean more to us and our fanbase because of the situations at both clubs financially.”

Why does Liverpool v Man City kick off at an unusual time?

12:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Liverpool and Manchester City meet once again in the Premier League, but Sunday’s clash has been given a unique kick-off time as Pep Guardiola’s side arrive at Anfield for a potential title decider.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds hold an excellent home record against Manchester City and Guardiola’s only victory at Anfield came in the season when matches were played without fans due to the pandemic.

Liverpool defeated City 1-0 at Anfield last season, in an ill-tempered clash packed full of incident, and now Klopp’s side lead Guardiola’s team by a point in the Premier League title race.

Tensions will be high as the champions return to Anfield and Klopp faces Guardiola on the touchline for potentially the final time in England.

The match will be kicking off at the unusual time of 3:45pm GMT on Sunday 10 March.

While televised matches on Sunday usually start at either 2pm or 4:30pm, with the later slot typically used for broadcasting the weekend’s standout fixture, it is believed the kick-off time was brought forward following a recommendation from local safety groups.

Why does Liverpool v Man City kick off at an unusual time?

5 memorable Premier League matches between Liverpool and Manchester City

11:45 , Jamie Braidwood

April 2022: Man City 2 Liverpool 2

As another tight title race between the pair remained in the balance, the rivals were forced to settle for a draw at the Etihad Stadium. City created the most chances and twice led through De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus but Liverpool hit back each time with Diogo Jota and Mane on target. City were frustrated as Raheem Sterling had a goal ruled out in a tight VAR call and Riyad Mahrez hit the post but Guardiola’s men ultimately had the last laugh, again taking the title by a point.

5 memorable Premier League matches between Liverpool and Manchester City

11:30 , Jamie Braidwood

November 2019: Liverpool 3 Man City 1

Liverpool finally ended their long wait for a Premier League title in 2019-20 and it became clear that momentum was in their favour as they edged out City on a tense afternoon at Anfield. A Fabinho piledriver gave the hosts an early lead as City raged about a penalty not given at the other end, seconds previously. Salah compounded City’s frustrations by heading a second soon after and Mane grabbed a third but Silva kept City in the contest and Guardiola was furious when another penalty appeal was dismissed.

5 memorable Premier League matches between Liverpool and Manchester City

11:15 , Jamie Braidwood

January 2018: Liverpool 4 Man City 3

The second half of the 2017-18 campaign was when Liverpool really began to show their teeth under Klopp and proved they were an improving force that could maybe one day compete with City. They did not derail City’s title charge at Anfield, with Guardiola’s men going on to break the 100-point barrier, but gave them a bloody nose by inflicting their first defeat of the season. Sane cancelled out Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s early strike but three goals in nine minutes early in the second half from Roberto Firmino, Mane and Salah won it for Liverpool – despite late replies from Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan.

5 memorable Premier League matches between Liverpool and Manchester City

11:00 , Jamie Braidwood

October 2021: Liverpool 2 Man City 2

A pulsating early-season encounter that justified the hype the fixture has come to attract under the era-defining stewardships of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Guardiola at City. All the key action came in the second half as Sadio Mane swept Liverpool ahead before Phil Foden levelled with a fine strike. Mohamed Salah produced a moment of magic to weave through the box and restore the hosts’ lead but Kevin De Bruyne earned a draw with a long-range effort.

5 memorable Premier League matches between Liverpool and Manchester City

10:45 , Jamie Braidwood

January 2019: Man City 2 Liverpool 1

City and Liverpool were engaged in a ferocious title battle in 2018-19 in which the standards set by both reached new heights. After a thrilling run-in, it was Pep Guardiola’s side who eventually came out on top by a just single point – an outcome which emphasised the importance of their win over the Reds in January. Goals from Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane either side of a Roberto Firmino brace were the telling statistics, but the most critical moment proved to be a goal-line clearance by John Stones as the City defender swept the ball away with just 1.12cm to spare.

Jurgen Klopp makes bold Pep Guardiola claim before Liverpool showdown with Man City

10:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Jurgen Klopp has hailed Pep Guardiola as the outstanding manager of his lifetime and said he has “no idea” why he has a winning record against his Manchester City counterpart.

They will meet for potentially the last time on Sunday when Klopp, who has 12 victories and 11 defeats against the Catalan in a duel that dates back to their day at Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively, takes charge of Liverpool against City.

But Klopp insists it is not a rivalry and said he is not frustrated that he would have won far more but for Guardiola, who has secured five Premier League titles to his one from their time together in England.

The Liverpool manager said: “I don’t feel it is a rivalry, I understand you call it that. We are both pretty competitive and we both want to win games and we both are blessed with having really good players in our teams but it is not a rivalry.”

Pep Guardiola: Man City must ‘overcome absolutely everything’ at Liverpool

10:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Pep Guardiola has appeared to put pressure on referee Michael Oliver by suggesting Manchester City have to “overcome absolutely everything” as they head to Liverpool for a crunch title showdown.

“We cannot control what happens in these stadiums with the referees,” he said. “We have to do better. It’s the only thing we can do. It’s not the first time, it will not be the last.

“We have to overcome these situations and to do the peak achievement, of trying to fight for the fourth Premier League in a row, that no team have done, never ever, this is the type of challenge we have to face – overcome absolutely everything.

“Otherwise will be difficult, in this case, to win on Sunday. But, whatever happens, I’m pretty sure we’ll perform well.

“And, whatever happens, still we’ll have many, many games to play. This is a really important game for the title challenge, but I still have the feeling that many things are going to happen.”

Pep Guardiola embraces the challenge of ending Man City’s poor record at Anfield

10:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Pep Guardiola is ready for the challenge as he takes champions Manchester City to Liverpool for a crucial Premier League title showdown on Sunday.

City head to Merseyside trailing Jurgen Klopp’s side by a point for a match of huge significance at the top of the table.

Guardiola’s side go into the game as favourites to win the title for what would be a fourth successive season, and a sixth time in seven years, but their record at Anfield is poor.

City have won just once there in front of a crowd since 1981, and that was as long ago as 2003.

Pep Guardiola embraces the challenge of ending Man City’s poor record at Anfield

Liverpool v Man City: A season, a title race and a legacy come down to these 90 minutes

09:45 , Jamie Braidwood

So a title race, a rivalry and a legacy comes down to this? Here’s Miguel Delaney’s preview ahead of today’s huge clash:

“Jurgen Klopp is typically insisting on ultra focus from his squad but those around him are inevitably wondering whether the Liverpool manager is considering the greater scale of everything right now. It might only become apparent in the little details. These few days, for example, could be the last time Klopp figures out how to restrict space around Kevin De Bruyne. It might even be the last time he faces Pep Guardiola.

“Yes, Sunday’s battle for first place is also the start of a series of “finals”, as the end is near. It is perhaps fitting that Liverpool vs Manchester City should initially get everyone thinking like this because you could forgive Klopp wanting to consign this fixture to the past as quickly as possible.

“This is the pairing that has most defined his time in England, and most frustrated him.”

Liverpool v Man City: A title race and a legacy come down to these 90 minutes

Liverpool vs Manchester City: Latest Premier League updates

09:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Odds

Liverpool: 19/10

Draw: 13/5

Manchester City: 5/4

Prediction

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

Liverpool vs Man City predictions: Premier League betting tips, odds and free bets

Liverpool vs Manchester City: Latest Premier League updates

09:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Predicted line-ups

Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Elliott, Nunez, Diaz

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Bernardo; Foden, De Bruyne, Alvarez; Haaland

Liverpool vs Manchester City: Latest Premier League updates

09:20 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester City team news

Manchester City will be without Jack Grealish, while Jeremy Doku picked up a fresh problem in midweek and could miss out.

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