Liverpool vs Manchester City: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 8 February 2026
The marquee fixture of Premier League matchweek 25 will take place on Sunday at the legendary Anfield, where local side Liverpool host Manchester City. I’m backing a high-scoring clash between these two giants, a showdown that could set the tone for the entire title race.
- See also: Brighton vs Crystal Palace: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 8 February 2026
Match preview
Liverpool approach this pivotal encounter on a wave of confidence after a commanding 4-1 victory over Newcastle in their last league outing. Arne Slot’s men finally notched their first Premier League win of 2026, snapping a lengthy winless stretch that included four straight draws and a painful defeat to Bournemouth. The Merseysiders have netted 15 goals in their last four matches across all competitions, with the Wirtz–Ekitike partnership proving increasingly devastating for opposing defences.
Nevertheless, the Reds’ position in the table remains precarious: they sit outside the top five and are still scrapping for a Champions League spot, where every point is crucial. The home advantage is traditionally vital for Liverpool – Anfield is a fortress where the side rarely loses focus, and their ability to claw back into games has become a hallmark under Arne Slot.
Manchester City travel to Merseyside after a frustrating slip-up last weekend – a 2-2 draw with Tottenham, where Pep Guardiola’s men squandered a two-goal lead. That result marked the fifth time City have dropped points in their last six league matches, seriously complicating their title defence. Their away form is especially worrying: three consecutive Premier League away games without a win, conceding at least twice in each.
On the other hand, City showed their resilience in the Carabao Cup, confidently dispatching Newcastle 3-1 to book a place in the final. Their 3-0 win over Liverpool earlier in the season offers a shot at a historic league double, but defensive absences and the risk of fatigue from a packed schedule could prove decisive at Anfield.
Probable lineups
- Liverpool: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konaté, van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
- Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunez, Guehi, Aké, Aït-Nouri; Rodri, O’Riley; Cherki, Reijnders, Semenyo; Haaland.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Liverpool have scored 15 goals in their last four matches in all competitions.
- Manchester City are winless in three straight Premier League away games, conceding at least twice in each.
- Five of the last six meetings at Anfield have produced at least three goals.
Prediction
This promises to be an open and high-scoring contest: both sides are under pressure to deliver and neither is likely to sit back. Given the current attacking form and City’s away struggles, Liverpool look slightly favoured, but a shootout is almost inevitable. The optimal scenario: a Liverpool win in a dazzling, chance-filled match.
