Biggest derby, still - Guardiola’s 1000th match in PL, but party breaker will be at the celebration

A revitalized Liverpool head to Manchester this Sunday for a Premier League clash with Manchester City — a showdown that could prove decisive in shaping the title race.

Both sides are still chasing Arsenal after inconsistent starts to the season, but this weekend offers a chance for redemption and a statement of intent. A win for either team would send a clear message, while the league-leading Gunners will be quietly hoping for a draw at the Etihad.

Pep Guardiola’s men enter the contest with momentum and home comfort on their side. Since early September, City have been beaten only once, winning six of their last seven matches across all competitions. Erling Haaland continues to be the driving force up front, but Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku have also played starring roles in recent weeks.

Liverpool, meanwhile, seem to have rediscovered their rhythm after a poor spell. Back-to-back clean-sheet victories over Aston Villa and, more notably, Real Madrid have boosted morale and re-established them as serious contenders.

Still, a trip to the Etihad remains one of the toughest assignments in English football. The Reds may have broken their Manchester curse last season, but that was their first league win away to City since 2015.

Guardiola has all but confirmed that Rodri won’t be risked this weekend, the midfielder still recovering after missing the midweek win over Borussia Dortmund. Nico Gonzalez impressed as his stand-in, while Mateo Kovacic remains out long term with an ankle injury. Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva are expected to return to the starting lineup, with John Stones and Savinho possibly rotating out.

For Liverpool, Alexander Isak is poised for a comeback after four games out, having rejoined full training on Friday. Coach Arne Slot confirmed he’s in contention to travel, but key absentees remain: Alisson is still sidelined, as is Jeremie Frimpong, who continues to battle a hamstring issue. Youngsters Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic, and Jayden Danns also stay on the injury list.

Slot faces one major selection dilemma — whether to keep faith in Florian Wirtz, who delivered an outstanding performance in midweek, or to recall Cody Gakpo on the left flank. At left-back, Andy Robertson is expected to retain his spot after a string of strong showings.

All signs point to a thrilling encounter — two heavyweights desperate to prove their worth and stay within reach of the title.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 11

Saturday

Tottenham - Manchester United 0-1 (0-1)

/Mbeumo 32/

Everton - Fulham 2-0 (1-0)

/Gueye 45+4, Keane 81/

West Ham - Burnley 3-2 (1-1)

/Wilson 44, Soucek 77, Walker-Peters 87 - Flemming 35, Cullen 90+7/

Sunderland - Arsenal 2-2 (1-0)

/Ballard 36, Brobbey 90+4 - Saka 54, Trossard 74/

Chelsea - Wolverhampton 3-0 (0-0)

/Gusto 51, Pedro 65, Neto 73/

Sunday

17.00: (2.20) Aston Villa (3.55) Bournemouth (3.40)

17.00: (2.95) Brentford (3.45) Newcastle (2.50)

17.00: (2.35) Crystal Palace (3.50) Brighton (3.15)

17.00: (2.25) Nott.Forest (3.35) Leeds (3.50)

19.30: (1.95) Man.City (4.00) Liverpool (3.80)

*** odds are subject to change***