Liverpool vs Manchester City: Prediction, preview and betting tips

Two of the Premier League’s traditional powerhouses collide at Anfield on Sunday in the standout fixture of the weekend, as unbeaten Liverpool host perfect-record Manchester City.

Kick-off is at 16:30 BST on 11 October 2026.

Team news and form

Manchester City sit top of the table with a flawless 15 points from five games, scoring 13 goals and conceding five. Enzo Maresca’s side have looked clinical and dominant, with Erling Haaland leading the line superbly. Their only domestic blemish has been the suspension of Phil Foden, who misses this match after a red card in the Manchester derby.

Liverpool are sixth with nine points from five matches (two wins, three draws) and remain unbeaten under Andoni Iraola. The Reds have been solid defensively, conceding just four goals, but have drawn both home league games so far. Their attack has been less free-flowing than in previous seasons.

Fitness concerns dominate the Liverpool camp. Alexander Isak (thigh) and Cody Gakpo (ankle) are major doubts after withdrawing from international duty. Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are already ruled out. City have Foden suspended, while Nico O’Reilly and Antoine Semenyo face fitness checks. Haaland is expected to start after a planned early exit for Norway.

Head-to-head

City have the recent edge, winning the last three meetings in all competitions, including a 2-1 victory at Anfield in February 2026 and a 4-0 FA Cup thrashing at the Etihad. Liverpool have historically been strong at home against City, but the visitors will arrive full of confidence.

Prediction

This has the makings of a classic Anfield battle. City’s superior form and attacking depth make them slight favourites, but Liverpool’s organisation and the atmosphere should make it extremely difficult for the leaders. A tight, high-quality contest is expected.

Score prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City

A draw remains a strong possibility given Liverpool’s defensive resilience at home. Both teams are likely to score in what should be an open and entertaining game.

Betting tips

• Manchester City to win: The league leaders have the quality and momentum to edge a tight contest.
• Both teams to score – Yes: Liverpool’s home threat and City’s attacking firepower point strongly to goals at both ends.
• Over 2.5 goals: Recent meetings and both sides’ attacking styles suggest an open game.
• Erling Haaland anytime goalscorer: The Norwegian is in excellent form and thrives in these big fixtures.
• Draw: Value option given Anfield’s difficulty for even the strongest visiting sides and Liverpool’s unbeaten start.

City will look to extend their perfect start and open a gap at the top, while Liverpool aim to halt the leaders and prove their own title credentials under Iraola. Expect a high-stakes, high-quality encounter at Anfield.