Manchester City take on Liverpool in Super Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash.
Manchester City vs. Liverpool kicks off at 16:30 [GMT] on Sunday, November 9, at the Etihad.
The Sky Blues head back for Premier League action after a 4-1 win over Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League. Pep Guardiola’s side come into this game seeking revenge after losing both league meetings with Liverpool last season — as many defeats as they had suffered in their previous twelve against the Reds. City haven’t lost three consecutive matches to Liverpool since 2016, and that history alone will give them extra motivation heading into this one. Interestingly, City’s form against reigning champions has been exceptional. They’ve won ten of their last twelve such league games (D1 L1), including a memorable 4-1 win at Anfield in 2021. Their recent home record is equally impressive, having taken 42 points since April — the most in the league — and winning nine of their last ten matches at the Etihad. However, Guardiola’s men have a curious weakness this season. Despite scoring 20 goals in their opening ten league fixtures, none have come from set pieces — the first time in Premier League history a side has reached that mark exclusively through open play. That highlights both City’s technical brilliance and a rare area for improvement. Nevertheless, they would be keen to pick up back-to-back Premier League victories [WWWLW] following last weekend’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Erling Haaland in attack is expected against Liverpool. All eyes will again be on Erling Haaland, who sits on 98 Premier League goals in just 107 appearances. A brace here would make him the fastest player ever to reach 100, surpassing Alan Shearer’s record of 124 games.
Liverpool [LLLLW], in 3rd, just behind 2nd-placed City, arrive with renewed confidence after halting a four-game losing run with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa. But their away form remains a concern. The Reds have lost three straight away league games and could suffer four consecutive away defeats for the first time since 2012 under Kenny Dalglish. Still, Slot’s men will draw inspiration from their 2-0 win in this fixture last season — though they haven’t won back-to-back away league matches at the Etihad since 1991. Mohamed Salah continues to make history of his own. His strike against Villa took him level with Wayne Rooney for combined goals and assists (271) at a single Premier League club. Salah’s record against City is remarkable — nine goals and six assists — the most goal involvements of any player against Guardiola’s side. He will be looking to find the net once again when Slot deploys the 4—2—3—1 with Ekitike in attack.