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Liverpool vs. Man City: Title Race Showdown

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 8:32 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Greater Manchester, Merseyside, UNITED KINGDOM

Liverpool, England - February 7th, 2026 - Anfield is set to erupt this Saturday as Liverpool hosts Manchester City in what promises to be a pivotal Premier League encounter. The match, kicking off at 12:30 p.m. ET and broadcast on USA Network and the NBC Sports app, sees second-placed Liverpool attempting to halt the momentum of league leaders Manchester City. Beyond the immediate three points, this fixture carries significant weight in the title race, with both teams acutely aware of the implications of a result.

Manchester City, the reigning champions, arrive at Anfield boasting an impressive unbeaten run - a testament to their tactical prowess and squad depth. However, Liverpool's fortress-like home ground presents a formidable challenge. Anfield is renowned for its electric atmosphere, consistently providing a significant boost to the home side. Jurgen Klopp's final season at the helm adds an extra layer of emotional intensity for the Reds, fueling their desire to send him off with another Premier League title.

Team News and Key Absences

The pre-match narrative is punctuated by crucial absences on both sides. Liverpool will be without the suspended Darwin Nunez, following his disciplinary incident against Bournemouth. Adding to their concerns is the continued uncertainty surrounding Luis Diaz's knee injury; his availability remains questionable, potentially depriving Liverpool of a vital attacking threat. The responsibility for goals will likely fall on the shoulders of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Diogo Jota, who are expected to lead the Liverpool attack.

Manchester City faces its own challenges. The prolonged absence of Kevin De Bruyne, sidelined indefinitely with a hamstring injury, is a significant blow. De Bruyne's creative influence and pinpoint passing are irreplaceable, leaving a void in City's midfield. John Stones' fitness is also under scrutiny, adding further uncertainty to Pep Guardiola's team selection. City will rely on the experience and leadership of Rodri, alongside the dynamism of Mateo Kovacic and the pace of Jeremy Doku to control the midfield battle.

Predicted Lineups - A Tactical Preview

Liverpool's predicted lineup suggests a balanced approach, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair: Alisson in goal, a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Robertson. The midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch will be tasked with controlling possession and providing support to the forwards. Salah, Gakpo, and Jota are expected to spearhead the attack, looking to exploit any vulnerabilities in the City defense.

Manchester City's lineup is expected to feature Ederson between the posts, a defensive line of Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol. The midfield will likely be anchored by Rodri, supported by Kovacic and Doku. Upfront, Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, and Bernardo Silva are poised to lead the charge, aiming to break down the Liverpool defense. The absence of a true number 9 may prompt City to adopt a more fluid attacking approach.

Betting Odds and Expert Predictions

The bookmakers currently favor Manchester City, with moneyline odds of -180, compared to Liverpool's +150. A draw is priced at +260. The spread currently has Liverpool at +1.5 (-110) and Man City at -1.5 (-110), indicating a closely contested affair. The over/under goal line is set at 2.5 goals, with odds of +100 for over and -130 for under.

While City's consistent form and squad depth are undeniable, Liverpool's home record and the psychological impact of playing in front of the Anfield faithful cannot be ignored. The absence of De Bruyne levels the playing field somewhat. This match is predicted to be a tactical battle, with both teams prioritizing possession and looking to exploit space in the final third.

Final Score Prediction: Man City 2, Liverpool 1. While a narrow victory for City seems likely, Liverpool's resilience and attacking threat suggest they will push the champions all the way. A single goal difference feels appropriate in what promises to be a captivating encounter.