Liverpool vs Man City: Iraola's unbeaten side host Maresca's perfect leaders at Anfield on Sunday

The Premier League returns from its long international break with its biggest fixture of the weekend on Sunday, 11 October, as Andoni Iraola's Liverpool host Enzo Maresca's Manchester City at Anfield. City arrive top of the table with a perfect five wins from five, while Liverpool are sixth and still unbeaten in the league. Kick-off is 4.30pm UK time, which is 11.30pm on Sunday night in Malaysia, with the match shown locally on Astro, the Premier League's rights holder in Malaysia.

Where the two sides stand

City have 15 points from their opening five matches and a goal difference of +8. They are three points clear of Arsenal, who host Leeds on Saturday. Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola in the summer, has made a fast start. City's last outing before the break was a 5-3 home win over Sunderland, following a 5-0 Carabao Cup thrashing of Norwich.

Liverpool are on nine points from two wins and three draws. Iraola, who left Bournemouth to replace Arne Slot in June, returned to his old club before the break and came away with a 1-0 win. That result stretched Liverpool's unbeaten run this season to seven matches in all competitions, although goalless draws such as the one at Fulham have kept them off the pace.

A City win would open a nine-point gap between the clubs after just six games. A Liverpool win would cut the gap to three and end City's perfect start.

Injuries cloud both camps

Neither manager will have a full squad. Liverpool are without striker Hugo Ekitike, full-back Conor Bradley, defender Giovanni Leoni, Federico Chiesa and goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros, while Cody Gakpo is a fitness doubt.

City will be missing Phil Foden, who is suspended after his red card against Manchester United. Antoine Semenyo and Nico O'Reilly are being monitored, with O'Reilly having left the England camp early. The biggest worry is Erling Haaland, who was substituted after 67 minutes of Norway's Nations League defeat to Portugal on 4 October.

The merged September-October international window kept many players away for nearly three weeks, and clubs across the league are reporting long injury lists as a result.

Recent meetings favour City

City have won the last three meetings with Liverpool by an aggregate score of 9-1. That run includes a 3-0 league win in November 2025, a 2-1 victory at Anfield in February 2026 and a 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final win at the Etihad in April, when Haaland scored a hat-trick. Haaland has five goals in his last three games against Liverpool.

An edgy atmosphere expected

The fixture is City's first since they were found guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules, and a hostile reception is expected at a sold-out Anfield. The question of City's sanctions and appeal remains a separate process, but Sunday's match will be the first time their players face rival fans since the verdict.

Maresca is due to speak to the media on Friday, when the latest on Haaland's fitness should become clearer.

Key takeaways

• Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, 11 October, at 11.30pm Malaysia time.
• City lead the table with 15 points from five games; Liverpool are sixth on nine points and unbeaten.
• Foden is suspended and Haaland is a doubt for City; Ekitike, Bradley and Chiesa are out for Liverpool.
• City have won the last three meetings 9-1 on aggregate.

FAQ

What time is Liverpool vs Man City in Malaysia? Kick-off is 11.30pm Malaysia time on Sunday, 11 October (4.30pm UK time).

Who are the managers of Liverpool and Man City this season? Andoni Iraola took over Liverpool in June after Arne Slot's exit, and Enzo Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola at City.

Will Erling Haaland play against Liverpool? He is a doubt after coming off during Norway's defeat to Portugal; City are expected to update his fitness on Friday.

Sources: Manchester City FC, Goal, The False 9