Our Liverpool vs Man City prediction points to a close, open game at Anfield on Sunday 11 October, kick-off 6.30pm EAT. Manchester City arrive top of the Premier League with five wins from five, while Liverpool are sixth and still unbeaten. Injuries picked up during the international break could shape both line-ups, and our main pick is both teams to score.
This is the headline fixture of the first weekend back after a long international break, and it carries real weight early in the season. City can stretch their lead at the top, while Liverpool have a chance to show they belong in the title conversation.
Liverpool vs Man City: Key Facts
- Competition: Premier League
- Date: Sunday 11 October 2026
- Kick-off: 6.30pm EAT
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Liverpool: 6th, 9 points (W2 D3 L0)
- Man City: 1st, 15 points (W5 D0 L0)
- Managers: Andoni Iraola (Liverpool), Enzo Maresca (Man City)
Form Guide
Liverpool: unbeaten, but too many draws
Liverpool have not lost a league game yet under Andoni Iraola, but three draws from five matches have left them six points behind the leaders. The intensity Iraola demands is clear in their pressing, yet they have not always turned control into wins. A victory over the leaders would change the mood around Anfield quickly.
Man City: a perfect start
City have won all five of their opening league games under Enzo Maresca and sit three points clear at the top. They have been efficient and ruthless, and their squad depth has helped them cope with fixtures and absences. Going to Anfield is a different test, though, and this will tell us a lot about how strong their title challenge really is.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool’s injury list is the bigger worry heading into the weekend:
- Hugo Ekitike is out with a long-term injury.
- Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined.
- Alexander Isak came home early from international duty with a thigh problem and is a doubt.
- Cody Gakpo picked up a leg injury on international duty with the Netherlands and is also a doubt.
- Jeremy Jacquet is reported to have a hamstring issue.
- Federico Chiesa is another fitness concern.
If Isak and Gakpo both miss out, Liverpool lose a big part of their attacking threat. Expect Iraola to give late fitness updates at his pre-match press conference.
Man City Team News
- Phil Foden is suspended after his red card in the Manchester derby.
- Erling Haaland is being assessed after limping off during Norway’s defeat to Portugal.
- Nico O’Reilly returned early from England duty for further checks.
- Antoine Semenyo is a doubt with a knock.
Haaland’s fitness is the big one. If he is passed fit, City have one of the league’s deadliest finishers leading the line. Without him, they would need to find goals from elsewhere, which they have done before.
Key Battles to Watch
Liverpool’s press vs City’s build-up
Iraola’s teams press aggressively, while City like to build patiently from the back. Whoever wins this tactical battle in the first 20 minutes is likely to set the tone. Anfield crowds feed off turnovers in dangerous areas.
City’s attack vs a stretched Liverpool defence
With Bradley and Leoni both missing, Liverpool’s defensive options are thinner than usual. City’s movement between the lines could cause problems if the hosts commit too many players forward.
Liverpool vs Man City Prediction
City’s form demands respect: five wins from five is no fluke. However, Liverpool have yet to lose, Anfield is one of the hardest grounds in England for visiting teams, and both sides carry injury doubts in attack and defence.
Our reading is that neither team will keep things tight for 90 minutes. Liverpool’s high press creates chances at both ends, and City have the quality to punish any gaps.
- Main pick: Both teams to score (Yes)
- Alternative: Over 2.5 goals
- Correct score lean: Liverpool 2-2 Man City
Check team news before placing any bet, especially on Haaland, Isak and Gakpo, as their availability could shift the markets. You can also see our data-led pick on the Liverpool vs Man City prediction page.
More Reading
Catch up on the off-field story around City in our guide to Manchester City’s 115 charges, browse every fixture this weekend on our football predictions page, and check fixtures and the table on the official Premier League website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Liverpool vs Man City in Kenya?
Liverpool vs Man City kicks off at 6.30pm East Africa Time on Sunday 11 October 2026 at Anfield.
Is Haaland playing against Liverpool?
Haaland is being assessed after limping off on international duty with Norway, so his involvement will depend on a late fitness check.
Why is Phil Foden missing Liverpool vs Man City?
Foden is suspended after being sent off in the Manchester derby.
What is the best bet for Liverpool vs Man City?
Our main pick is both teams to score, with over 2.5 goals as an alternative, based on both sides’ attacking quality and defensive absences.
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