One of the most highly anticipated fixtures in the Premier League calendar is on the horizon as Liverpool and Manchester City prepare to clash in a match that could have major implications for the title race.
Scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Etihad Stadium, the showdown kicks off at 5:30 PM CET, promising high-octane action between two of the Premier League’s footballing giants.
With fans eagerly anticipating the showdown, many are also exploring Free Bets & Bookies Offers to add extra excitement to the game.
Recent form and head-to-head record
The results of the two teams’ last five matches show that the upcoming clash could be hard to predict though. Liverpool has won three matches and recorded two draws. Their strongest win was a 4-1 victory against Ipswich on January 25.
The Blues also recorded three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches in the league. They thrashed the same Ipswich 6-0 and West Ham 4-1, however, they also recorded one of their darkest nights in London when they conceded a 1-5 defeat against Arsenal.
Looking at the history of their head-to-head encounters in the league, one can see 21 draws in 55 matches. Liverpool have won 22 while the City secured 12 victories.
Their last match was in early December 2024 which ended with a 2-0 victory for Liverpool.
Key players to watch
Mohamed Salah has been in exceptional form this season, scoring 21 goals and providing 13 assists in the Premier League, putting him at the top of the league’s goal-scorer and assist table.
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's defensive stalwart, has also been impressive, contributing 16 goals this season and leading his team to a 4-0 victory over Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a key player in both defense and attack, providing crucial assists and solidifying Liverpool's backline.
On the Manchester City side, Erling Haaland has been a key striker, netting 19 goals in the Premier League this season.
Kevin De Bruyne, known for his playmaking skills, has contributed 6 assists this season, continuing to be a vital part of City's midfield.
Phil Foden has also been in fine form, scoring 8 goals and providing 6 assists in the league, showcasing his versatility and impact on the team's success.
When it comes to the head coaches of the giant teams, one cannot get passed Pep Guardiola’s tactics easily. He is known for his positional play and tiki-taka style both in the City and in Barcelona. He focuses on short passes, ball control, and positional fluidity with the team pressing high and maintaining possession to control the game. Although he is going through a family crisis this season, his ability to change the result at any moment cannot be underestimated.
On the other hand, we have Arne Slot who has been successful in Liverpool and few could anticipate that the Dutch manager can replace Jürgen Klopp. Slot has a focus on possession-based play and high-intensity pressing. His team's build-up play from the back with a double pivot and inverted fullbacks to create numerical advantages in midfield.
Overall, Manchester City have not had a good season, giving them no ranking better than fifth on the table. This has led to some experts saying that the chances of their defending the title could be so grim. However, having a talented manager and a host of stars, anything can happen at any moment.
On the other hand, Liverpool’s steady good results this season have raised hopes for their fans that they could win titles both in England and also in the UEFA Champions League.
