Liverpool were beaten by Manchester City twice in the Premier League this season, and this will be a massive challenge for them in the game vs their greatest modern-day rivals. The Reds have endured a difficult season thus far, and they have not been at their best.
On the other hand, Manchester City are heading into this game full of confidence after beating Arsenal in the EFL final before the international break. Pep Guardiola’s men will be pushing for a domestic treble this season, and they will certainly fancy their chances against Liverpool at home.
Manchester City are certainly the better team and in better form. At home, the Citizens have been formidable, and they have not lost to an English team at the Etihad since the defeat to Tottenham in August.
Also, Liverpool have only reached the FA Cup semi-finals once in the last decade. So, Arne Slot’s men face a tall order as they prepare to take on Manchester City this weekend. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.
Ruben Dias (muscular), John Stones (calf), and Josko Gvardiol (calf) are ruled out for the home side. Manchester City will shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Liverpool, with Gianluigi Donnarumma, fresh off Italy’s heartbreak in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, in goal.
Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly will start as the two full-backs. They will keep things tight at the back and help out in the final third. Meanwhile, Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi will pair up at the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Rodri will reprise the defensive midfield role, looking to control the tempo and provide defensive cover, with Tijjani Reijnders adding drive and creativity alongside him.
Bernardo Silva will add creativity from the attacking midfield role. Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo will add flair and goals from the flanks, with Erling Haaland leading the line for Manchester City vs Liverpool on Saturday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rodri, Reijnders; Doku, Silva, Semenyo; Haaland
The away team will be without Conor Bradley (knee), Wataru Endo (ankle), and Alisson Becker (knock) this week. However, Arne Slot has received many positive updates coming out of the international break, as Jeremie Frimpong, Mohamed Salah, and Federico Chiesa are fit and available. Additionally, Alexander Isak (calf) is in contention to feature.
Liverpool are likely to start in a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Manchester City, with Giorgi Mamardashvilli in goal. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez will start as the full-backs. They will look to help out at both ends of the pitch. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk will form the central defensive partnership.
As for the midfield unit, Ryan Gravenberch will start alongside Dominik Szoboszlai in the double pivot, aiming to add control and composure to the team. Alexis Mac Allister will look to create opportunities for teammates in the final third.
Finally, Hugo Ekitike will lead the line for Liverpool vs Manchester City, with Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah on either side of him. So, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak will be among the backup options on the bench for the visitors.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvilli; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike
The Norwegian striker is in impressive form, and he will cause all sorts of problems for the Liverpool defence. The visitors have looked quite mediocre at the back all season, and they will struggle against Haaland.
The 25-year-old will look to create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well. He has been scoring goals consistently, and Liverpool will need to keep him quiet if they want to get a good result here.
Both teams will be desperate for a victory here. Manchester City will look to win more domestic trophies after winning the EFL Cup, and Liverpool will be fully aware that this is their best opportunity to win a trophy this season. They are miles away from winning the Premier League title this season, and the Champions League looks like a distant dream as well.
The FA Cup is their best chance of silverware, and the Reds will be determined to get a good result here. However, Manchester City are the better team, and they are full of confidence and momentum right now. The two sides are likely to put up a fight here, but the hosts should be able to come out on top. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Pep Guardiola and his charges.
