Manchester City heads to Anfield this Sunday in what promises to be a ferocious atmosphere, marking the club’s first Premier League fixture since an independent commission found them guilty of most of the 115 charges brought by the league. City manager Enzo Maresca dismissed suggestions that the club’s past titles are tainted, insisting they are “absolutely not” compromised. No-one truly believed he was going to be given his marching orders but his side were on their way to a remarkable fourth consecutive Premier League defeat. Some may question each of those successes after an independent commission found the club guilty of the majority of the 115 charges the Premier League brought against them. Such is the script that a trip to what promises to be a ferocious Anfield – a place Guardiola always described as difficult – is next. They are very good but we also are very good.
The upcoming clash stands out as a historic encounter, as it will be the first time since 2015 that neither Jurgen Klopp nor Pep Guardiola will occupy the touchlines. Liverpool chairman Tom Werner is expected to be in attendance for the match, which comes as City looks to maintain their 100% start to the season, having secured five wins from five games.
Reflecting on past grievances, Liverpool’s former goalkeeping coach John Achterberg told The Athletic that many feel the club was wrongly denied successes. Achterberg noted that while Liverpool secured the 2019-20 title, they could have potentially won four if not for narrow margins where they finished runners-up to City in 2013-14, 2018-19, and 2021-22.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola acknowledged the intensity of the fixture, stating it is an exciting game to face the league leaders. “We are playing at home at Anfield against City that is top of the league, they have won all of their games,” Iraola remarked. He added that the team is preparing for a high-level, open contest. Asked if it was the kind of fixture he relished when taking the Liverpool job, Iraola added: “Yes, we are here to play this game.
Regarding the ongoing legal situation, Iraola expressed that the lack of clarity is difficult for all involved. “The worst thing probably is the uncertainty. No-one knows what’s going to happen. We have to focus on Liverpool and being the best club we can be, the best team we can be. That’s my challenge,” he said.
This visit recalls a tense December 2024 encounter where City, then managed by Guardiola, trailed 2-0 at Anfield. When the home crowd chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at him, Guardiola responded by holding up six fingers to signal the six league titles he had won during his tenure.
With City currently awaiting the results of an appeal against the commission’s findings, the club maintains its innocence. However, the shadow of the charges remains, ensuring a charged environment on the pitch and in the stands. For Liverpool, the match serves as a pivotal opportunity to gain momentum, fueled by both the tactical challenge of the league leaders and the lingering frustration regarding past title races.
