On Sunday, February 23, at the Etihad Stadium, the match that concludes Premier League Matchday 26 will see two teams that have been dominant in both England and Europe in recent years: Manchester City and Liverpool. However, this season tells a different story, as the two sides are experiencing completely opposite campaigns. Manchester City has recently been eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid, sits fourth in the Premier League standings, is out of the title race, and is only competing for the FA Cup. On the other hand, Liverpool is chasing an incredible treble, leading the Premier League table, having topped their Champions League group to advance to the Round of 16, and reaching the Carabao Cup final. Even though Pep Guardiola’s team is not in the title race, this match at the Etihad Stadium is crucial for securing a top-four finish and keeping their closest challengers at bay. Meanwhile, for Salah and his teammates, a victory would be vital to maintain the gap over Arsenal, who, thanks to Liverpool’s recent two draws in their last three league games, are beginning to believe in a title comeback that seemed impossible just weeks ago. As tradition dictates, this game promises to be thrilling and full of twists and turns.

Manchester City's Shape and Key Statistics

After losing 3-1 in Madrid, Manchester City officially bid farewell to the Champions League before the Round of 16 for the first time since the 2012/2013 season. Their European campaign has been a disaster, as they barely scraped through the playoff round, conceding six goals against Real Madrid over two legs while scoring only three.

In the Premier League, however, things look more promising. In their last five matches, City has recorded three wins, one draw, and one loss. At home, they have been dominant, winning their last three consecutive league matches at the Etihad Stadium: 4-1 vs West Ham, 3-1 vs Chelsea, 4-0 vs Newcastle. 

Liverpool's Shape and Key Statistics

Liverpool enters this fixture after dropping crucial points, drawing two of their last three Premier League matches. Their most recent game saw a surprising 2-2 draw at Aston Villa, where the Reds, trailing 2-1 at halftime, managed to equalize in the second half thanks to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool boasts the best attack in the Premier League, scoring 62 goals (an average of 2.38 per game). Impressively, they remain unbeaten away from Anfield, with a record of 9 wins and 5 draws in 14 away matches, averaging 2.57 goals scored and 1.14 conceded per game.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Prediction & Tactical Overview

Despite Manchester City potentially being at the end of a cycle, as Guardiola hinted after the Real Madrid defeat, expect a strong reaction, given the importance of securing a Champions League spot for next season.

The main concern for Guardiola is the fitness of Erling Haaland, who missed the clash at the Santiago Bernabeu due to injury but is expected to return for this match. In midfield, Gonzalez, who joined from Porto in January and scored against Real Madrid, should feature again. Marmoush is also likely to start, setting up an intriguing Egyptian duel against Salah.

For Liverpool, their main weapon remains Mohamed Salah, the Premier League’s top scorer with 24 goals, ahead of Haaland (19 goals). Salah’s contribution will be crucial as the Reds aim for their 10th away victory of the season to keep Arsenal at a distance.

Given that this match features two of the best attacking sides in the Premier League, and considering the high stakes for both teams, the BetMines algorithm prediction for the Manchester City vs Liverpool match suggests a high probability of a match where both teams will find the net.

• The BetMines algorithm prediction for the Manchester City vs Liverpool match predicts that both teams will score at least one goal at 70%
• The BetMines algorithm prediction for the Manchester City vs Liverpool match predicts that at least one of the two teams will not score at 30%

Manchester City vs Liverpool Probable Lineups

MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Lewis, Khusanov, Stones, Gvardiol; Gonzalez, Gundogan; Savinho, Foden, Marmoush; Haaland. Coach: Guardiola

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Szoboszlai; Jota. Coach: Slot