Liverpool and Manchester City face each other this Sunday (8), at 1:30 pm (Brasília time), in a match valid for the 25th round of Premier League 2026. The duel takes place in the traditional Anfield stadium, where the Reds try to stop the advance of the Citizens in the direct fight for the top positions on the leaderboard.
Referee Craig Pawson will be responsible for conducting the match, which pits coaches Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola face to face at a decisive moment in the European season. With Arsenal sitting at the top of the league, the result of this derby could determine whether the gap to the lead will be reduced or whether Gunners will extend their lead in the title race.
Below, fans can check out the main broadcast channels to follow the event in real time on Brasil:
- ESPN (subscription channel)
- Disney+ (premium streaming platform)
Recent performance and goals in the table
The Liverpool team arrives for this match occupying sixth place in the Premier League, with 39 points achieved after a trajectory of recent fluctuations in the national competition. Sob under the management of Arne Slot, the Reds scored impressive victories in recent weeks, beating Newcastle 4-1 and Qarabag 6-0, results that boosted the squad’s confidence.
The home team’s objective is to secure a place in the next edition of Champions League, a goal that requires maximum regularity in the clashes played in Anfield in this final stretch. Jogando in their domains, Liverpool has a favorable record against Manchester’s rival, a factor that is considered fundamental by the technical committee to nullify the opponent’s offensive potential.
Citizens strategy to seek leadership
Manchester City occupies second place in the championship with 47 points and enters the field under pressure due to the draw against Tottenham in the previous round of the English league. Pep Guardiola seeks to adjust the defensive system, which suffered from important absences, to maintain the constant pursuit of Arsenal, which leads the table with a nine-point advantage.
Even with significant absences in the defensive sector, the Citizens trust in the decision-making power of Erling Haaland, who leads the Premier League’s goal statistics this season. The visiting team won the last direct encounter 3-0 at Etihad Stadium, but recognizes that the atmosphere at Anfield imposes a much greater tactical and physical challenge for the starting players.
Liverpool probable lineups for the classic
Arne The absence of names like Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong, both handed over to the medical department, forces specific changes in the offensive structure of the Anfield team.
The Dutch coach prioritizes a system with Alisson in goal, protected by a defensive line that has the experience of Virgil van Dijk and the youth of Milos Kerkez. In the creation sector, the highlight is Florian Wirtz, who has been a fundamental part of the Reds team, serving attackers like Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo in deep plays.
Tactical formation of Manchester City of Pep Guardiola
Coach Pep Guardiola faces problems in fielding his ideal defense, as names like John Stones and Josko Gvardiol remain unavailable due to recent muscle injuries. Diante In this scenario, the coach must use Matheus Nunes and Marc Guéhi to form the defensive sector, aiming to maintain possession of the ball and safety when exiting the game.
The probable formation of Citizens has Gianluigi Donnarumma between the posts, while the midfield will have the presence of Rodri to give defensive balance and freedom to the midfielders. In attack, Erling Haaland will be supported by Cherki and Semenyo, who have the mission of exploring the backs of Liverpool’s defenders in quick transitions and baseline plays.
Confrontation history and retrospect in Anfield
The historical numbers of the confrontation point to a considerable advantage for the Liverpool when the duel takes place under the control of the Reds in the port city of the Inglaterra. In 175 official matches held only in the national league throughout history, the home club has accumulated 82 victories against 47 triumphs for Manchester City, in addition to 46 registered draws.
Referee and video team for the game
Federação Inglesa selected Craig Pawson as the main referee of the match in Anfield, assisted by assistants Timothy Wood and Matt Wilkes, while The control of the video system (VAR) will be under the responsibility of John Brooks, assisted by Blake Antrobus, ensuring the technical review of controversial plays during the 90 minutes.
