Man City vs Liverpool LIVE: Guardiola aims to close gap with Arsenal TODAY but Reds have their own battle – latest updates

IT may not be the oldest rivalry. It may not be the most local derby.

But make no mistake, Manchester City v Liverpool is a competition that has blossomed in recent seasons – and another chapter is unfolding TODAY.

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The two giants of English football have faced each other in the Premier League for the last few years.

And while City have landed more from the Haymakers – including a dramatic three-goal comeback win on the final day of last season to snatch the title from the Reds – Liverpool have pulled off a couple of good jabs.

From 2018 it will be between Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp for the title. No exceptions.

This year, for the first time in a seemingly endless era of Premier League football, Liverpool are no longer the best contenders.

But Man City aren’t the main contenders for the title either.

In 2022/23, a young Arsenal squad led by Pep’s protégé Mikel Arteta has taken an eight-point lead at the top of the table.

So this feels like new territory for both clubs.

Liverpool are back to their murky pre-Klopp days, in which they desperately fought for the final Champions League qualifying spot but stumbled in their quest.

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A big win gives the passionate Kop fanbase renewed hope, before a crushing loss to a relegation contender brings them back to earth.

The fight for a European spot is hotter than ever this season, with the top 11 all battling for a maximum of seven spots.

Liverpool will of course hope to snag a place in the top four but may have to settle for the Europa League – or even the Europa Conference League – with Manchester United, Newcastle, Tottenham and Brighton all flying high this season.

And then there’s Chelsea, currently tenth but desperate to make a late charge.

So for Klopp every game is a cup final. Every match a must-win. They’ve been eliminated from all domestic cups and the Champions League – the focus is now on the top four.

They brought a late charge back in 2020/21 when Alisson scored a last-minute header against West Brom to keep their rise up the table alive in a season marred by injuries to key players.

So this is her fight. But what about the city?

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Well, champion Guardiola has watched apprentice Arteta guide his youthful Gunners to an eight-point lead at the top of the table.

Man City have a game in hand and also have a six-point showdown with Arsenal to look forward to… the absolute epitome of must-win for them.

Win their game in hand and beat the North Londoners and suddenly that gap is just two points but they are already counting on Arsenal’s favor.

The Gunners are a young team in uncharted territory who are relying on ex-City stars Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus for their title-winning expertise.

Could Guardiola regret selling both last summer?

But for now, Guardiola needs to focus on Liverpool… and City haven’t beaten the Reds in the Premier League since February 2021.

They lost the game 1-0 at Anfield earlier this season. They also lost the season opener – the Community Shield – 3-1 and were eliminated from last season’s FA Cup by a semi-final defeat at Wembley .

They clinched a morale-boosting 3-2 win at the Carabao Cup this season but by 12.30pm on Saturday both sides will be much changed.

City should beat Liverpool on paper. They’ve had a better season, their key players have been shooting and they’re home right… and they’ve scored 13 goals in their last two games.

But as with any rivalry, form and predictions go out the window.

Even if they have different ambitions this season, a defeat is the end of their dreams for both teams.

Who can withstand the pressure?

what is her shape like

man city: In a word: rampant.

City have won their last six games, including a 7-0 Champions League win over RB Leipzig and a 6-0 win over Vincent Kompany’s Burnley in the FA Cup.

As always, Guardiola ensures his side end the season strong.

Liverpool: Inconsistent, but pretty bad for the most part.

How do you beat Man Utd 7-0 and then lose 1-0 to Bournemouth? Somehow the Reds found a way.

Liverpool also lost 5-2, 1-0 to Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 while there was a draw with Crystal Palace.

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What’s new from the team?

man city: Pep Guardiola will sweat over the fitness of goalkeeper Erling Haaland, who has been forced to retire from international caps with Norway after suffering a groin injury.

England star Phil Foden could be out for up to a month after appendix surgery.

Liverpool: Cody Gakpo (virus) and Darwin Nunez (knock) need to be evaluated ahead of the big trip to the Etihad while Thiago (groin) remains doubtful.

Talented youngster Stefan Bajcetic is out for the season after suffering a serious groin problem.

But Jurgen Klopp could give Luis Diaz his first run since the World Cup as the tricky winger has returned to full training.

Who will the star men be?

man city: Erling Haaland.

He has scored eight goals in his last two games, including FIVE against Leipzig.

Haaland has scored 48 goals in 43 games in all competitions for club and country this season.

It’s March…

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Liverpool: Mohammed Salah.

He wasn’t at his best this season.

But he was still incredibly good with 24 goals in all competitions – including the second-leg winner at Anfield.

Liverpool will need him now more than ever if they want to secure a place in the top four.

SunSport Prediction

Manchester City 2 Liverpool 2

When does Man City play Liverpool?

• Manchester City’s delicious game against Liverpool will take place TODAY – Saturday April 1st.
• The start is scheduled for at 12:30pm UK time.
• The Etihad Stadium in Manchester is the assigned arena for this game and has a capacity of approximately 53,400 fans.
• Pep Guardiola’s side emerged 3-2 winners when the sides last met in a Carabao Cup draw in December.

What channel is it on and can it be streamed live?

• Manchester City vs Liverpool will be broadcast LIVE BT sport 1 In the United Kingdom.
• Coverage is set to begin from 11:30pm UK time – a full hour before kick-off.
• BT Sport subscribers can stream all the action live via the website or the BT Sport app.
• Alternatively, SunSport will provide up-to-the-minute coverage of the action, including build-up and fallout response.

How are the chances?

• Manchester City wins 3/5
• Draw 3/1
• Liverpool wins 17/4

*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes correct at time of publication