Game Week 6 Predictions: Liverpool and City to fight to finish at Anfield

Liverpool will hope to heap more misery on Manchester City. Can the Cityzens rise above the noise to earn a result that keeps them at the to...

Liverpool will hope to heap more misery on Manchester City. Can the Cityzens rise above the noise to earn a result that keeps them at the top of the Premier League log? (Photo credit: GOAL)

Liverpool vs Manchester City

Anfield

4:30pm

Manchester City returns to the pitch for the first time since the FA announced the guilty verdict on their infamous 115 charges. What will the reception look like at Anfield?

There's so much to unpack from their charges. They have been found guilty, and everyone is expecting the independent body to announce the punishment. The expected punishment will be severe, and it may include expulsion from the league.

Liverpool will be without Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo for this game, according to Andoni Iraola. Both players picked up injuries during the just-concluded international break. Liverpool has a big Champions League fixture in midweek; the duo could be back for that.

Beyond the charges and the conviction, Manchester City looks like a team reborn under Enzo Maresca. Despite playing a game less, the Cityzens are on top of the log on goal difference and could restore their three-point cushion with a win at Anfield.

The 115 charges will dominate the headlines ahead of this one, but we must focus on football. Maresca has denied any knowledge of activity above him, and the same goes for Pep Guardiola. Can City shake off this cloud of uncertainty to earn a result at Liverpool?

You expect a big performance from the Cityzens. They would like to prove a point. Maresca has a fit squad to pick from, with Nico O'Rielly the only doubt. Erling Haaland is fit and available after returning from Norway early.

Manchester City put five past Sunderland before the break, a result that sent them to the top of the log, but they also conceded three goals in the same game, which must worry Maresca as he seeks to compete for the title.

Media reports suggest every game could be Manchester City's last in the Premier League. The players will remain focused on what happens on the pitch, while leaving the rest to the lawyers and the people who run the club.

Liverpool's absentees will trouble Iraola. Florian Wirtz has failed to hit real heights. Victor Munoz will be the one everyone would hope rises to the occasion on Sunday. It's a game the Reds must turn up for, as they now sit 7th on the log.

A loss would mean that Liverpool will be nine points off the pace at the top. As a potential title contender, you don't want to hand a direct rival such an advantage. There's Arsenal in the mix, and a couple of pretenders, which include Brighton and Chelsea.

Verdict: Full time draw