Tehran: Pep Guardiola celebrates his 1,000th game as a manager in unforgettable style as Manchester City hosts champions Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. GMT. This match is the standout fixture of Premier League Week 11. Both teams come into the game with renewed momentum-City after winning six out of their last seven matches, and Arne Slot’s Liverpool following consecutive victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid. The title race, which had briefly shifted in Arsenal’s favor, now depends on the outcome of this match in Manchester.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the match, part of the Premier League 2025-26 Week 11, will be held at the Etihad Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. GMT on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Fans in the UK can catch the live broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR, with live streaming available on Sky Go and NOW TV.
Manchester City enters the game on the back of a strong run, having won four of their last five matches, including recent victories over Borussia Dortmund and Bournemouth. Liverpool, meanwhile, has also regained form with wins against Real Madrid and Aston Villa. However, City has struggled against Liverpool in their recent Premier League meetings, failing to secure a win in the last four encounters. Their most recent triumph against Liverpool was a 4-1 victory at home.
The probable lineups suggest Manchester City will deploy a 4-1-4-1 formation, featuring key players such as Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva. Liverpool is likely to counter with a 4-2-3-1 setup, emphasizing the talents of Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai. Notably, City faces potential absences with Rodri as a doubt and Kovacic sidelined due to an ankle injury, while Liverpool’s Alisson and Frimpong are confirmed absentees.
In terms of league position, City currently sits third, while Liverpool is sixth. Both teams have recorded similar win-loss records this season, with City holding a slight edge in goals scored and conceded. Erling Haaland leads City’s scoring with 13 Premier League goals, whereas Mohamed Salah is Liverpool’s top scorer with four goals.
Pep Guardiola, reflecting on his managerial milestone, emphasized the importance of the match and acknowledged Arsenal’s recent progress. Arne Slot, focusing on consistency, praised Szoboszlai’s impact on the team.
Tactically, Manchester City will focus on aggressive pressing and leveraging Haaland’s strength against Liverpool’s defense, particularly Van Dijk. Liverpool, on the other hand, aims to maintain a compact midfield and capitalize on Salah’s speed during transitions.
This highly anticipated fixture not only marks Guardiola’s milestone but also serves as a crucial point in the Premier League title race. The match will showcase the contrasting football philosophies of two of England’s top teams, with significant implications for the league standings.