Manchester City and Liverpool are set to face off in a crucial encounter that still carries significant weight, despite lacking the intense title rivalry of past seasons. Liverpool aims to strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League with an eight-point lead, while Manchester City is under immense pressure to keep their top-four hopes alive.
City enters the match as a wounded side, desperate to recover after their Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid. A crushing 6-3 aggregate defeat has left Guardiola’s men seeking redemption, and they will be eager to respond in front of their home fans. Liverpool, on the other hand, remains unbeaten in 14 away league games this season, a remarkable achievement matched by only five other English top-flight teams in history. However, their record at the Etihad is far from impressive, with just one win in their last 15 visits.
City’s recent 4-0 demolition of Newcastle proved that they are still a force to be reckoned with, but their defensive weaknesses were ruthlessly exposed in their Champions League collapse against Real Madrid. Fast transitions caused major problems for Guardiola’s side, and Liverpool’s attacking prowess could take advantage of those vulnerabilities. City has shown improvement since Christmas, winning five of their last eight league games, but injuries continue to be a major concern.
Erling Haaland – Doubt
Haaland’s availability remains uncertain after he sustained a knee injury in training on February 15, just before City’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid. The Norwegian striker was forced to miss both legs of the tie as well as the Premier League match against Newcastle. Guardiola has emphasized that Haaland’s condition requires daily monitoring, making his participation against Liverpool a late decision. His presence would provide a significant boost, but City may have to cope without their star forward.
John Stones – Out
John Stones has been ruled out after suffering a thigh strain during City’s defeat to Real Madrid. Guardiola suggested that surgery might be required, which could sideline the defender for an extended period. His absence further depletes City’s defensive options, making their backline more vulnerable against Liverpool’s attacking threats.
Manuel Akanji – Out
Akanji is another key absentee, having undergone surgery for an adductor injury sustained in the first leg against Real Madrid. The Swiss defender is expected to be sidelined for 8–10 weeks, with his earliest possible return date set for late April 2025. His absence weakens City’s defense even further, leaving Guardiola with limited choices in a critical match.
Rodri – Out
City will also be without their midfield enforcer, as Rodri continues to recover from an ACL injury suffered last September. His absence has been a major blow for City, given his ability to control the tempo of matches and provide defensive stability. Without him, Guardiola has had to find alternative solutions in midfield, but no player has fully replicated Rodri’s influence.
Oscar Bobb – Out
Bobb has been out of action since suffering a fractured leg during preseason training in August 2024. While he returned to partial training in January 2025, Guardiola confirmed that he is still not match-fit and will require more time before making a full comeback. Given his extended absence, he is unlikely to feature against Liverpool.
Guardiola has acknowledged the challenge ahead, praising Liverpool’s consistency and resilience this season. He admitted that Klopp’s side deserves to be in the title race alongside Arsenal, emphasizing their ability to maintain high performance levels throughout the campaign. With only one league defeat all season, Liverpool presents a formidable test for City, and Guardiola’s men will need to be at their best to secure a positive result.
Despite their injury setbacks, City remains dangerous and will look to make a statement against the league leaders. Liverpool, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on City’s vulnerabilities and strengthen their grip on the title race. With both teams fighting for crucial points, the stage is set for an intense battle at the Etihad, where every moment could be decisive.
