Three Reasons to Watch City-Liverpool Clash

As the 2025–26 Premier League season approaches its two-thirds mark, the title race is drawing intense scrutiny. Arsenal currently lead the 38-game campaign with 56 points from 25 matches, while second-placed Manchester City trail by nine points, having played 24 games. With such a gap between the top two, some pundits are already speculating that the championship may be all but decided.

Against this backdrop, Friday night’s fixture between Manchester City and Liverpool at Anfield might appear less decisive in the title race, especially given Liverpool’s distant league position. Last season’s champions sit sixth in the standings, 17 points behind Arsenal and eight adrift of City.

Nonetheless, the match carries significant intrigue for Premier League followers for at least three key reasons:

1. England’s ‘El Clásico’

Although the fixture lacks an official moniker, the Guardiola–Klopp era elevated the rivalry to one of English football’s most thrilling encounters. Jurgen Klopp is no longer at Liverpool; Arne Slot now leads the Reds. Slot has dubbed City vs Liverpool “England’s El Clásico,” reflecting the high anticipation surrounding the fixture.

“The match promises to be fantastic,” said Slot. “Even before I joined here, while in Holland, I knew when City would face Liverpool. I watched it on TV. It’s much like the Spanish Clásico, where everyone eagerly awaits the encounter.”

Historically, Anfield has been a fortress against City. Over the past 22 league visits, City have won only once, drawn seven times, and lost 14.

However, City have a rare opportunity. Having secured a 3–0 home victory in the November first-leg clash at the Etihad, a win at Anfield would mark City’s first league ‘double’ over Liverpool since the 1936–37 season.

2. Injury Concerns

Liverpool welcome back Joe Gomez, who missed the last two matches due to injury. Slot tempered expectations, noting Gomez may not start but could provide cover due to a depleted defensive roster. Conversely, Jeremy Frimpong remains sidelined after leaving the Champions League fixture against Qarabag with a muscular issue.

City face fitness uncertainties of their own. Bernardo Silva missed last week’s Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle due to a prior injury sustained versus Tottenham, and his participation remains doubtful. Manager Pep Guardiola stated on Friday, “We’ll see after tomorrow’s training.” On a positive note, Ruben Dias returned to the bench against Newcastle following a month-long hamstring absence, giving City some defensive reinforcement.

3. Maintaining Momentum

Despite trailing Arsenal by nine points, City arrive with morale boosted from last week’s League Cup final qualification. Guardiola’s side remain active across all competitions: Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and the Champions League.

Facing Anfield—a venue City have not conquered since February 2021—requires every ounce of focus. With league aspirations still alive, three points are essential for City to keep pace with the leaders.

With history, high stakes, and tactical intrigue on display, Friday’s clash promises more than just points—it offers drama, rivalry, and Premier League spectacle.