Man City vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League score and updates as Erling Haaland absent from matchday squad

Manchester City host Liverpool in the Premier League with the leaders looking to establish an 11-point lead at the top of the table.

Arne Slot’s side could only manage a draw to Villa in midweek, but Arsenal’s loss against West Ham gives the Merseyside club an ideal opportunity to swell their advantage again as they look to take another significant step towards the title. In a different season, this might have been a fixture of even greater consequence, but Manchester City’s trials and travails leave them languishing down in fourth rather than in hot pursuit of their opponents.

An embarrassing exit from the Champions League in midweek at the hands of Real Madrid only increased the scrutiny on a side that seems to have totally lost their way. With the FA Cup now their own realistic hope of a trophy, Pep Guardiola’s side will hope to provide a different input in the title race as they look to throw their familiar foe off course.

Follow all of the latest from the Etihad with our live blog below:

Man City vs Liverpool LIVE

• Manchester Ciy face Liverpool in the Premier League | Live on Sky Sports

• Man City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Khusanov, Ake, Gvardiol, Nico Gonzalez, De Bruyne, Savinho, Foden, Doku, Marmoush

• Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Mac Allister, Jones; Diaz

• City sit fourth after defeats for Bournemouth and Chelsea yesterday

• Arsenal’s slip-up gives Arne Slot’s table-toppers chance to widen gap

Manchester City FC – Liverpool FC

Scorer and creator

16:20 , Mike Jones

Mohamed Salah’s opener at Villa Park on Wednesday was his 15th away league goal this season, the most by a Liverpool player since Gordon Hodgson netted 15 on the road in 1930-31.

Salah has 15 assists in the Premier League this season, equalling the Liverpool record set by Steve McManaman in 1995-96 and five short of the overall record of 20, registered by Thierry Henry in 2002-03 and Kevin de Bruyne in 2019-20.

Ederson’s crucial quality

16:15 , Mike Jones

Ederson has three top-flight assists this season and is vying to become the first goalkeeper to register an assist in three consecutive Premier League appearances.

The only other players to do so in back-to-back appearances are Shay Given in 1998 and Pepe Reina in 2009.

‘A chance for Liverpool to go 11 points clear’

16:14 , Richard Jolly at Etihad Stadium

“A chance for Liverpool to go 11 points clear even if Arsenal’s defeat yesterday means a draw, which would never have been a bad result for Arne Slot, arguably becomes a good one today.

“Yet the City teamsheet could offer Liverpool encouragement: there is no Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias is only a substitute.

“A big day, then, for Abdukodir Khusanov. Nico Gonzalez, meanwhile, could have a lot of work to do in this midfield.”

Pep Guardiola confident Manchester City can match Liverpool in one-off clash

16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pep Guardiola accepts Manchester City are not challenging Liverpool for the title this season but is convinced they can still match them on their day.

After winning the Premier League for the past four years, City find themselves in an unfamiliar position outside the race for top spot this season.

Yet City can still have a big say in matters as they host current leaders Liverpool in a headline encounter that has implications for the title picture and the champions’ own relatively modest top-four aims.

Pep Guardiola confident Manchester City can match Liverpool in one-off clash

A leaky defence

16:10 , Mike Jones

Man City are vying to keep back-to-back Premier League clean sheets for the first time this season.

Liverpool’s hot streak

16:05 , Mike Jones

Liverpool are unbeaten in 22 top-flight matches (W15, D7), their longest such run since a 44-game streak between January 2019 and February 2020.

Liverpool and Man City are a world apart this season and the difference is clear

16:00 , Richard Jolly

When Liverpool were looking for Jurgen Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot ticked a lot of boxes. He had overperformed relative to his budget. He had improved players with his coaching skills. He played the right brand of football. He was seen as a fine communicator.

One factor attracted less attention at the time. Liverpool noted Slot’s approach to sports science, to Feyenoord’s medical record. “At Feyenoord we kept our players fit – available is a better word – but we were always one of the fittest teams in the league as well when it came to running or the last 25 minutes of the game,” Slot said this month. As Liverpool head to the Etihad Stadium today, unbeaten in 22 league games and 17 points clear of the reigning champions, there are smaller numbers their rivals may seek to emulate.

Liverpool and Man City are a world apart this season and the difference is clear

Comeback kings

15:55 , Mike Jones

Man City have scored 20 goals in six league matches this calendar year.

Their shot conversion rate in this run is 24.7%, compared to 9.6% between August and December.

They have won a league-high 17 points from losing positions this season, one more than Liverpool.

Is Liverpool’s form starting to dip?

15:50 , Mike Jones

Liverpool won 23 of 27 league and cup games under Arne Slot prior to January but have failed to win seven of 14 matches (D4, L3) this calendar year.

That includes just two victories in eight away games (D3, L3) in 2025.

Are City’s struggles ending?

15:45 , Mike Jones

Man City have lost 13 games in all competitions this term. It is the highest number of defeats Pep Guardiola has had in a single season during his managerial career.

Yet, Guardiola’s side have accumulated 17 points since Christmas (W5, D2, L1), with only Liverpool and Arsenal boasting a better record in that time.

City’s strong home form

15:40 , Mike Jones

Man City’s only defeat in their last 15 top-flight home matches against Liverpool was a 4-1 loss on 21 November 2015.

That was Jurgen Klopp’s first match at the Etihad as Reds boss.

Man City vs Liverpool team changes

15:37 , Mike Jones

Pep Guardiola has made two changes to the side who beat Newcastle 4-0 last weekend.

Erling Haaland misses out on the squad through injury but Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne start.

For Liverpool, Arne Slot has made just one change to the side who were held to a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa on Wednesday.

Luis Diaz comes in for Diogo Jota as Cody Gakpo returns to the bench.

Can Liverpool win away from home?

15:35 , Mike Jones

Liverpool are vying to win a league game away to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for the first time.

The Reds have the chance to claim their third Premier League double against City, having also won both fixtures in the 2005-06 and 2015-16 seasons.

Pep Guardiola hints at Man City clearout in the summer: ‘That is the reality’

15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pep Guardiola has indicated a number of his Manchester City squad could be moved on this summer.

City have endured a frustrating campaign by their lofty standards, having fallen well off the pace in the Premier League title race and exited the Champions League before the last-16 stage.

Injuries have been a major factor in the champions’ decline and manager Guardiola conceded time may now be catching up with some of the players.

Pep Guardiola hints at Man City clearout in the summer: ‘That is the reality’

Erling Haaland misses match

15:24 , Mike Jones

Erling Haaland faced a late fitness test to see if he would be ready for today’s match and has probably failed it.

The Norwegian striker missed the game against Real Madrid during the week and has not been included in today’s squad either.

He is nursing a knee injury and seems to be out for a while yet.

Liverpool line-up to face Man City

15:18 , Mike Jones

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Mac Allister, Jones; Diaz

Man City line-up versus Liverpool

15:16 , Mike Jones

Man City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Khusanov, Ake, Gvardiol, Nico Gonzalez, De Bruyne, Savinho, Foden, Doku, Marmoush

Team news on the way…

15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right, back to today’s proceedings, and it’s almost time for the line-ups at the Etihad. Will Erling Haaland be fit enough to make the Manchester City side?

Bournemouth suffer top-four blow as Wolves boost Premier League survival bid

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There was perhaps a surprising boost for Manchester City’s top-four hopes yesterday with ten-man Bournemouth drawing a blank as Wolves achieved a vital three points.

Bournemouth suffer top-four blow as Wolves boost Premier League survival bid

Ange Postecoglou details qualities that make Tottenham youngster Archie Gray a special prospect

14:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Archie Gray had another excellent outing for Spurs, overcoming a tricky start to keep Liam Delap quiet. The versatile youngster has been the standout of a tough season for Ange Postecoglou.

Ange Postecoglou details qualities that make Archie Gray a special prospect

Tottenham extend winning run to continue mini-revival under Ange Postecoglou

14:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Things are looking rather brighter elsewhere in London with Tottenham starting to pick up with their injury crisis (mostly) behind them.

Tottenham extend winning run to continue mini-revival under Ange Postecoglou

Chelsea’s goalkeeping woes continue as Aston Villa grab late win

14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Speaking of familiar problems, Enzo Maresca has goalkeeping issues – again…

Chelsea’s goalkeeping woes continue as Aston Villa grab late win

Manchester United’s illogical comeback can’t hide an alarming trend

14:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Up at Goodison Park, Manchester United somehow escaped another defeat with a late, late show against Everton – but, as Richard Jolly explains, a draw doesn’t really mask the alarming problems for Ruben Amorim.

Manchester United’s illogical comeback can’t hide an alarming trend

Arsenal ‘deserve’ to feel pain as West Ham deal huge title race blow

14:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mikel Arteta was not happy at all with his side, insisting afterwards that the defeat was deserved after a poor showing.

Arsenal ‘deserve’ to feel pain as West Ham deal huge title race blow

Arsenal’s title challenge in tatters as West Ham claim away win

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Let’s take a look back at some of yesterday’s action on a dramatic Premier League Saturday – and where else to begin but with Arsenal, who are counting the cost of another slip-up against West Ham.

Arsenal’s title challenge in tatters as West Ham claim away win

From gold to old – Man City’s empire has crumbled and the future is uncertain

13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Manchester City’s Champions League campaign is, of course, already over. Richard Jolly was in Madrid to watch their empire continue to crumble:

From gold to old – Man City’s empire has crumbled and the future is uncertain

Liverpool’s route to Champions League final revealed

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Friday brought the draw for the remaining rounds of the Champions League as Liverpool’s route to the final became clear.

Liverpool’s route to Champions League final revealed

Is Darwin Nunez costing Liverpool? The numbers behind a maligned No 9

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

How damaging have Darwin Nunez’s misses been to Liverpool this season? The forward offers plenty around the park, clearly, but Lawrence Ostlere has dug into the data to find out how his profligacy has impacted Arne Slot’s side…

Is Darwin Nunez costing Liverpool? The numbers behind a maligned No 9

Arne Slot criticises Darwin Nunez ‘behaviour’ after costly miss in Liverpool draw at Aston Villa

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Arne Slot has criticised Darwin Nunez’s ‘behaviour’ after the Liverpool forward’s costly miss in the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.

The Uruguayan blazed over from around seven yards despite an open goal in front of him after Dominik Szoboszlai dragged Emiliano Martinez out of position before providing a pass to his teammate.

The Reds went on to drop two points and moved eight points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

Arne Slot criticises Darwin Nunez ‘behaviour’ after costly miss for Liverpool

Pep Guardiola hints at Man City clearout in the summer: ‘That is the reality’

13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pep Guardiola has indicated a number of his Manchester City squad could be moved on this summer.

City have endured a frustrating campaign by their lofty standards, having fallen well off the pace in the Premier League title race and exited the Champions League before the last-16 stage.

Injuries have been a major factor in the champions’ decline and manager Guardiola conceded time may now be catching up with some of the players.

Pep Guardiola hints at Man City clearout in the summer: ‘That is the reality’

Pep Guardiola confident Manchester City can match Liverpool in one-off clash

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pep Guardiola accepts Manchester City are not challenging Liverpool for the title this season but is convinced they can still match them on their day.

After winning the Premier League for the past four years, City find themselves in an unfamiliar position outside the race for top spot this season.

Yet City can still have a big say in matters as they host current leaders Liverpool in a headline encounter that has implications for the title picture and the champions’ own relatively modest top-four aims.

Pep Guardiola confident Manchester City can match Liverpool in one-off clash

Guardiola speechless over Jamie Carragher’s comments on Erling Haaland’s absence

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pep Guardiola was lost for words when told of Jamie Carragher’s thoughts on Erling Haaland’s absence against Real Madrid in midweek.

Manchester City’s top scorer did not get off the bench as the Premier League champions crashed out of the Champions League at the Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday, having been troubled by a knee injury.

Former Liverpool defender Carragher, now a prominent TV pundit, suggested the Norway international had not wanted to come up against Real centre-back Antonio Rudiger, saying he could have “Rudiger-itis”.

Guardiola speechless over Jamie Carragher’s comments on Erling Haaland’s absence

Liverpool, Man City and a turning point in the Premier League title race

12:15 , Miguel Delaney

By the time Liverpool got back from Birmingham, Arne Slot was already trying to be composed about a game that could really have gone either way. Darwin Nunez could and should have won it, sure, but Liverpool also had to come from behind against Aston Villa. Slot is trying to point to the potential value of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s equaliser.

The emotional swing feels a bit like the title race itself and of course, that is the context everything is now being put into.

It’s all the more pronounced given this is a week that could well prove a turning point. Liverpool face a trip to Manchester City before an awkward home match against Newcastle United. Arsenal have a more forgiving run but a much more punishing injury list. Mikel Merino has nevertheless given them a new impetus, that invigorating sense of an unexpected solution at a problematic time.

Liverpool, Man City and a turning point in the Premier League title race

Liverpool and Man City are a world apart this season and the difference is clear

12:00 , Richard Jolly

When Liverpool were looking for Jurgen Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot ticked a lot of boxes. He had overperformed relative to his budget. He had improved players with his coaching skills. He played the right brand of football. He was seen as a fine communicator.

One factor attracted less attention at the time. Liverpool noted Slot’s approach to sports science, to Feyenoord’s medical record. “At Feyenoord we kept our players fit – available is a better word – but we were always one of the fittest teams in the league as well when it came to running or the last 25 minutes of the game,” Slot said this month. As Liverpool head to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, unbeaten in 22 league games and 17 points clear of the reigning champions, there are smaller numbers their rivals may seek to emulate.

Liverpool and Man City are a world apart this season and the difference is clear

Manchester City vs Liverpool LIVE

08:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of one of the most eagerly-anticipated Premier League fixtures of every season. Manchester City and Liverpool have produced so many brilliant battles over the last few years, but this one feels different – the table-toppers come to the Etihad Stadium to face a home side that has seemed totally lost of late and facing the very real prospect of a trophy-less season.

Can Pep Guardiola and his team still have a say in the title race. Kick off is at 4.30pm GMT.