Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday in what is City's first match since an independent panel found the club guilty of all but one of the serious financial wrongdoing charges it faced. The verdict, delivered after a lengthy process, has cast a shadow over the Premier League's return from the international break.
City's first match since guilty verdict
Manchester City, who have won eight Premier League titles and the Champions League in the past 14 years, were found guilty of serious breaches related to financial wrongdoing. Revenues appear to have been artificially inflated by around £830m, and the club now faces the prospect of brutal sanctions, including possible expulsion from the Premier League.
The match at Anfield, selected by Sky Sports for the prime 4:30 pm Sunday slot, is City's first since the verdict. The home crowd is expected to make the experience deeply unpleasant for the visitors, although no players have been accused of wrongdoing.
Impact on both teams
Liverpool, managed by Andoni Iraola, will be without in-form forwards Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo. City currently sit top of the table with a perfect record after five matches, making this the toughest examination of Liverpool under Iraola so far.
City are appealing the verdict and remain confident of overturning the outcome. The appeal is the only reason the match has any relevance, according to some observers.
Potential consequences and fan impact
Should City fail to win their appeal, they could face immediate consequences, including suspension from the Premier League and possible expulsion. If City are removed from the top flight, their results this season would be expunged, rendering Sunday's game null and void. Some fans will pay north of £100 to watch what could be a meaningless match.
Some argue City should have been suspended as soon as the verdict was delivered, but the league's handbook explains why that is not possible in practice. The appeal process is expected to be lengthy, and the Premier League continues as if nothing has happened.
Sunday's match will go ahead regardless, and fans are encouraged to enjoy the occasion, as it could be the last time the two sides face each other for a while. Both teams will be desperate for the win, even if the result may ultimately be pointless.
