Manchester City will travel to Anfield on Sunday to face an unbeaten Liverpool side, seeking their sixth consecutive Premier League victory. City currently lead the table on goal difference with 15 points from their opening five matches. Their last outing before the international break was a thrilling 5-3 victory over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium. This match will be a significant test for both teams, with Liverpool aiming to end City's perfect start to the season.
Liverpool have collected nine points from five games, winning twice and drawing three times. Their 1-0 victory over Bournemouth before the international break kept them unbeaten but left them six points behind City in the title race. The Reds will be without leading scorer Alexander Isak, who has been ruled out with a minor thigh injury sustained while on international duty. Isak has scored four league goals this season.
Manchester City's manager, Enzo Maresca, has made an impressive start following Pep Guardiola's departure at the end of the 2025/26 season. Maresca previously served as Guardiola's assistant during City's Treble-winning 2022/23 campaign. The visitors have scored 13 goals in five league matches, underlining the attacking threat they will carry into Sunday's encounter.
Liverpool's manager, Andoni Iraola, has overseen an unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign. However, his side will face a major test against City's free-scoring attack. Liverpool have been more convincing defensively, with goalkeeper Alisson keeping three clean sheets, one more than City's Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The absences of Isak and winger Cody Gakpo, who picked up an ankle injury while representing the Netherlands, could create opportunities for Bradley Barcola to play a more prominent role in attack. Iraola highlighted Barcola's versatility ahead of the contest. Jeremy Jacquet, meanwhile, is expected to be fit for the match.
Manchester City have received more encouraging news, with Erling Haaland available for the trip to Merseyside. However, midfielder Phil Foden will miss the match through suspension. City will look to extend their winning streak and strengthen their position at the top of the table, while Liverpool will seek to preserve their unbeaten record and close the gap on the leaders.
A victory for Liverpool would end City's perfect start and provide an early statement of their credentials under Iraola. The match kicks off at Anfield at 4:30 pm BST and promises to be an exciting encounter between two top teams. The outcome will have significant implications for the title race.
Key points
- Manchester City seek sixth straight win against unbeaten Liverpool
- Liverpool will be without leading scorer Alexander Isak and winger Cody Gakpo
- The match will have significant implications for the Premier League title race
