City’s Lineup Adjustments for the Liverpool Clash
Manchester City have made significant adjustments to their lineup ahead of today’s Premier League match against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, with four changes from the team that faced Real Madrid in the Champions League. Rico Lewis, Nathan Ake, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku all step into the starting lineup, taking the places of Ruben Dias, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva, who are now on the bench. John Stones is sidelined due to a muscle injury sustained in the Champions League match. The Blues are aiming to solidify their position in the top four, and January signings Omar Marmoush, Nico, and Abdukodir Khusanov continue to feature prominently. However, Erling Haaland, who is not fully fit, will not be part of today’s matchday squad. The team’s lineup features a blend of experienced players and fresh talent, setting the stage for an intense encounter against the league leaders.
The Blues’ Tactical Setup
Despite the injuries that have affected Pep Guardiola’s options, the lineup remains strong and well-balanced for the visit of Liverpool. Rico Lewis is expected to play at right-back, a position he has thrived in during recent matches. Abdukodir Khusanov will likely partner Nathan Ake in the center of defense, with Josko Gvardiol covering the left side. In the midfield, Nico, who made a stellar home debut with an impressive hat-trick against Newcastle, will continue to anchor the defense. Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden round out the midfield, providing creativity and attacking prowess. On the flanks, Jeremy Doku and Savinho offer pace and skill, while Omar Marmoush, fresh from his remarkable performance against Newcastle, leads the line. This lineup reflects Guardiola’s commitment to maintaining a high level of performance even in the face of adversity.
Liverpool’s Unbeaten Sunday Record
Liverpool, under the management of Arne Slot, bring a formidable record to the Etihad. The Reds have not lost a Premier League game played on a Sunday in their last 13 outings, scoring multiple goals in each of those matches. This streak dates back to a 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in April 2024, and it underscores the team’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure. City will need to be particularly vigilant and tactically astute to break this impressive run. Liverpool’s strength in depth and their ability to adapt to different playing styles will pose a significant challenge to the Blues, making today’s match a true test of both teams’ mettle.
A Global Spectacle
Today’s clash between Manchester City and Liverpool is a global spectacle, with football fans from Asuncion to Zagreb and Adelaide to Zurich tuning in to watch. The game carries particular significance for Egyptian viewers, as it features the country’s two biggest stars: Omar Marmoush for City and Mohamed Salah for Liverpool. Marmoush has made an immediate impact since his arrival, scoring a hat-trick in his home debut against Newcastle and contributing an assist against Real Madrid. Salah, on the other hand, has been a consistent top performer in the Premier League for years and currently leads the goalscoring charts. With close to 10 million viewers expected to watch the game in Egypt alone, the hope is that Marmoush will continue to shine and thrill his nation with another stellar performance.
Historical Context and Recent Form
The history between Manchester City and Liverpool in Premier League encounters at the Etihad is lopsided in favor of the Blues. City have lost only one of their 15 home games against Liverpool in the Premier League, with the most recent defeat coming in November 2015 under Manuel Pellegrini. Following a 2-0 win at Anfield in December, Liverpool are looking to achieve the Premier League double over City for the third time, having previously done so in 2005/06 and 2015/16. The Reds have a strong track record against reigning champions, achieving the Premier League double over them six times in the competition’s history, more than any other side. Since Christmas, only Liverpool and Arsenal have accumulated more points than City, highlighting the intense competition at the top of the league.
Key Statistics and Player Insights
Manchester City’s recent form has been both impressive and varied. In the 2024-25 season, the Blues achieved their first Premier League game without facing a single big chance in their 4-0 victory over Newcastle, with an xG faced of just 0.48, the third-fewest of the season. This defensive resilience is a crucial factor as they face Liverpool. In just six Premier League matches in 2025, City have scored 20 goals from 81 shots, boasting a league-high conversion rate of 24.7%. This sharp shooting stands in stark contrast to their 9.6% conversion rate between August and December. Mohamed Salah has been a thorn in City’s side, having been involved in more Premier League goals against them (since 2016/17) than any other player, with 8 goals and 5 assists. Only Steven Gerrard, with 14 goals and assists, has had a greater impact against City in the competition’s history. Additionally, Nico’s performance in his Premier League debut, where he completed 100 passes, is a testament to his composure and skill. Ederson, with three assists this season, is just one more away from becoming the first goalkeeper to assist in three consecutive Premier League appearances, a rare feat previously achieved only by Shay Given in 1998 and Pepe Reina in 2009. Today’s match is a statistical and tactical battle, with both teams vying for the upper hand.
