Manchester City travel to Liverpool today in the headline fixture of the Premier League’s return following an extended three-week international break. City are expected to receive a hostile atmosphere this afternoon at Anfield in what is their first match since an independent commission found them guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of the top-flight’s financial rules over a nine-season period between 2009/10 and 2018/19. City deny any wrongdoing and have launched an appeal, with serious sanctions likely if that fails.
Hostile reception expected
Liverpool are among the clubs said to have reserved their right to seek compensation, having finished as runners-up to City once during the period in question and also lost to them in a cup final. Reds fans are unlikely to be shy in expressing their anger during what promises to be a highly-charged showdown on Merseyside, though their attempts to inflict a first defeat on City this season are weakened by injuries to Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.
Team news and kick-off
There have also been late questions over Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, while Erling Haaland is fit to start for City after a knock. Kick-off is at 4.30pm BST at Anfield.
This is Man City's first game since being found guilty of serious financial breaches, facing a side they twice pipped to the Premier League title by a single point in 2019 and 2022. A hostile atmosphere is expected at Anfield, with all the latest updates, build-up and team news available ahead of kick-off.
