Quick Read
- Liverpool hosts Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. ET.
- The match is crucial for Manchester City’s Premier League title race and Liverpool’s top-four aspirations.
- Predicted lineups show Arne Slot’s Liverpool largely sticking to a winning formula, while Pep Guardiola’s City has key defensive decisions.
- Liverpool enters as a narrow home betting favorite (+140) after a 4-1 win over Newcastle.
- The game will stream exclusively on Peacock in the United States, requiring a Premium subscription.
LIVERPOOL (Azat TV) – In a highly anticipated Premier League fixture, Liverpool hosts Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, February 8, 2026. This clash is poised to be a pivotal encounter for both clubs, with Manchester City desperately seeking a win to maintain pace in the title race, and Liverpool aiming to bolster its top-four aspirations.
The match, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET (4:30 p.m. local time), is expected to feature intense individual battles across the pitch, as managers Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola navigate their respective team selections amidst injuries and strategic considerations.
Premier League Stakes at Anfield
The stakes for Sunday’s encounter could not be higher. Manchester City, currently second in the Premier League table with 47 points from 23 games, trails league leader Arsenal by nine points. A victory at Anfield is crucial for Pep Guardiola’s side to keep their title hopes alive and close the gap, especially after a recent mixed run of results that included a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in their last league outing. City did, however, advance to the Carabao Cup final, moving past Newcastle United with a 5-1 aggregate win, as reported by PennLive.
For Liverpool, the situation is equally critical. Sitting with 39 points from 23 matches, the Reds are five points adrift of fourth-place Manchester United, battling for a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League. Liverpool enters the match in strong form, having thrashed Newcastle 4-1 in their last league game, with Hugo Ekitike scoring a brace. This recent goal-scoring prowess, with 10 goals in their past two matches, will give Arne Slot’s side confidence.
Predicted Lineups and Key Team News
Both managers face significant decisions regarding their starting XIs, with injuries impacting available options. NBC Sports and the Manchester Evening News have offered insights into the potential lineups.
Liverpool’s Tactical Approach Under Slot
Arne Slot’s options are somewhat limited due to injuries, but the Dutchman is expected to largely stick with the lineup that delivered the convincing win against Newcastle. The predicted Liverpool lineup, according to NBC Sports, features Alisson in goal; a backline of Dominik Szoboszlai (likely out of position at right-back), Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez; a midfield pairing of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister; and an attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo, supporting striker Hugo Ekitike.
A key decision for Slot is whether to start Joe Gomez, now fit, at right-back. However, Szoboszlai is anticipated to retain the role. The link-up play between summer signings Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike has been particularly effective, making their inclusion highly probable. Options from the bench, though fewer, include experienced players like Federico Chiesa, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, and Andy Robertson, providing tactical flexibility depending on the match situation.
Manchester City’s Offensive Powerhouse
Pep Guardiola, despite a wealth of attacking and midfield talent, also faces defensive considerations. The return of Ruben Dias from injury is a major factor, though the game might come too soon for him to start. Marc Guehi, a player Liverpool reportedly tried to sign, is expected to start alongside Khusanov in central defense, with Rayan Ait-Nouri at left-back, according to the Manchester Evening News. Gianluigi Donnarumma is predicted to be in goal, with Rico Nunes at right-back.
In midfield, a solid defensive duo of Rodri and Nico O’Reilly is likely, especially if Bernardo Silva is not fit. Tijjani Reijnders, who impressed against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, could also earn a start. Upfront, the options are abundant. Erling Haaland is a certain starter, leading the line. He will be supported by a creative trio, likely consisting of Antoine Semenyo, Phil Foden, and Rayan Cherki. Omar Marmoush and Tijjani Reijnders are also pushing for starts after strong recent performances, offering Guardiola depth.
Where to Watch: Exclusive Streaming Details
For fans in the United States, the Liverpool vs. Manchester City match will be streamed exclusively on Peacock. Kick-off is set for 11:30 a.m. ET. Access to the live stream requires a Peacock Premium subscription, which costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 for an annual plan, as detailed by PennLive.
Liverpool enters the match as a narrow home betting favorite (+140), reflecting the advantage of playing at Anfield and their recent strong form.
The outcome of this highly anticipated Premier League fixture will undoubtedly send significant ripples through the standings, potentially reshaping the title race and the battle for Champions League qualification as the season progresses.