Liverpool have established themselves as title contenders – perhaps even title favourites – thanks to their outstanding form in the early months of manager Arne Slot’s tenure. They have come through some notable tests with flying colours, but facing the reigning champions will be the true test of just how determined the Reds are to go all the way in this season’s Premier League.
As for Manchester City, a notable losing streak just before the recent international break sparked talks of a crisis. The Citizens merely stumbled due to a combination of mounting injuries and lack of concentration in key moments, but the sting of those failures will make them – and manager Pep Guardiola – all the more hungry to claim a statement result on Merseyside.
Head-to-head
In head-to-head stats, Liverpool and Man City have met in 226 matches across all competitions since 1893. The Reds have claimed 108 wins compared to 60 for the Citizens, while 58 matches have been drawn.
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last four matches against Liverpool, including successive 1-1 Premier League draws last season.
What the teams are saying
Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister on the evolution of the team under Arne Slot: “So, the system has changed a little, but the main ideas are the same. I think perhaps the big change is in having that patience to have longer periods of possession and dominate games more and obviously that creates more chances.”
Man City’s Pep Guardiola on bouncing back after their recent rocky form: “When the players come back I have no doubts we’ll be back to the best. This is my challenge, I love a challenge. I won’t step back, more than ever I want to do it. We will try again. It looks like excuses. This is what I feel. When we play bad, I’m the first to say. I don’t have that feeling.”
Players to watch
Liverpool strike, Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian forward has played some of the best football of his career in the early stages of Arne Slot’s tenure at Liverpool.
Racking up a healthy number of goals and assists, Salah has firmly re-established himself as one of the Premier League’s most deadly attacking players.
Man City striker, Erling Haaland – Though City have had their struggles this season, their Norwegian powerhouse striker has continued to bang in the goals with impressive regularity.
The Citizens will hope Haaland can inspire them to a key victory at Anfield come Sunday evening.
You can watch all the action on DStv or while on the move by streaming all matches on the DStv Stream app.
Broadcast details
Sunday 1 December
18:00: Liverpool v Manchester City – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
