When Liverpool and Manchester City face each other, it is more than just a football match; it’s a defining event in the English football calendar.
On Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the iconic Anfield Stadium, these two modern titans will renew one of football’s most intense rivalries, setting the stage for a tactical and emotional showdown that could shape the remainder of the Premier League season.
This fixture represents a clash of styles and philosophies that have dominated English football for nearly a decade. Liverpool’s trademark aggressive, high-pressing approach meets City’s methodical, possession-based control.
As both teams enter this pivotal point in the season, the stakes at Anfield could not be higher, promising elite quality, decisive moments, and a spectacle that defines the Premier League at its very best.
Historical head-to-head record
Historically, Liverpool has held a clear advantage in this fixture. According to the overall head-to-head record, across 62 meetings in various competitions, Liverpool has won 27 times, Manchester City 13 times, with 22 matches ending in a draw.
The rivalry, however, has intensified dramatically in the modern era, especially since the 2013-14 Premier League season when they first engaged in a close title race.
The most recent meeting between these sides serves as a stark warning for the Reds. In November 2025 at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City delivered a commanding 3-0 victory.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring, followed by goals from Nico González and Jérémy Doku, in a display that highlighted City’s superior finishing despite Liverpool’s possession share.
Liverpool will be eager to avenge that defeat and leverage their formidable home record at Anfield, where they have remained unbeaten in 27 of their last 30 Premier League home matches.
Team form and news heading into the clash
Both teams enter this match with momentum but also significant challenges, particularly with key players sidelined due to injury.
Liverpool’s form has been strong, with the team unbeaten in 11 of their last 12 matches across all competitions. At Anfield, their recent performances have been especially potent, averaging an impressive 3.67 goals per game in their last three home outings.
This attacking firepower will be crucial against City. However, manager Arne Slot faces significant selection headaches. The Reds will be without several important players, including Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, and Dominik Szoboszlai, all ruled out due to injury.
Manchester City occupies second place in the league and has been defensively robust, keeping six clean sheets in their last 12 away Premier League fixtures.
However, their recent away form shows vulnerability, with no wins in their last three road games, which included two losses. Like their rivals, Pep Guardiola’s squad is grappling with an injury crisis, particularly in defense.
Key absentees include defensive stalwarts Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Josko Gvardiol, as well as attackers Jérémy Doku and Savinho. The absence of these core defenders could be a decisive factor at a hostile Anfield.
Predicted lineups and key players
Given the injury situations, both managers will need to be strategic with their selections.
Liverpool’s likely setup (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Kerkez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, a deputy right-back; Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones; Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah; Hugo Ekitiké.
Manchester City’s likely setup (4-2-3-1 / 4-1-4-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Rico Lewis, Nathan Aké, Abdukodir Khusanov, a left-back; Rodri; Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Antoine Semenyo, an attacking midfielder; Erling Haaland.
Players to watch:
For Liverpool: All eyes will be on forwards Hugo Ekitiké and Cody Gakpo. Ekitiké offers a blend of physical presence and technical finesse, while Gakpo’s intelligence and calmness in possession make him a constant threat. The creativity of Florian Wirtz will also be vital in unlocking City’s defense.
For Manchester City: The obvious danger is Erling Haaland, whose clinical finishing can decide a game with a single chance. The performance of Phil Foden in midfield will be equally critical, as his movement and decision-making are central to City’s attacking flow.
January signing Antoine Semenyo has made an immediate impact and will look to use his power and direct running to trouble Liverpool’s backline.
Match prediction and betting insights
Predicting the outcome of this clash is notoriously difficult, but the prevailing analysis points toward a highly competitive and entertaining draw.
One prediction model, based on extensive simulations, gives Liverpool a 43.4% chance of winning, Manchester City 33.1%, and a 23.5% probability of a draw.
The most commonly predicted specific outcome is a 1-1 draw, while another detailed preview suggests a 2-2 stalemate is the most probable result.
This leaning toward a high-scoring draw is supported by compelling trends:
- Both Teams to Score: This is considered a strong possibility given the attacking quality on display and the defensive absences for both sides.
- Over 2.5 Goals: This fixture has a history of goals, and Liverpool’s prolific home scoring form, combined with City’s potent attack, suggests the net will ripple multiple times.
The upcoming Liverpool vs. Manchester City match is a defining fixture of the modern Premier League era. More than just three points, it is a battle for psychological supremacy between two clubs that have pushed each other to historic heights.
With both teams facing injury crises, the tactical acumen of Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola will be tested to the fullest.
While Manchester City will aim to assert their authority, Liverpool’s formidable home advantage and explosive recent form at Anfield make them slight favorites on the day.
Expect a match filled with tactical intrigue, breathtaking quality, and moments of individual brilliance.
In a contest where fine margins so often decide the outcome, a thrilling, high-scoring draw seems the most fitting result for two teams so evenly matched at the pinnacle of English football.