Previous meetings
Liverpool won this fixture 2-0 both home and away in 2024-25 on their way to reclaiming the title from reigning champions City.
At Anfield in December, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah (penalty) were both on target.
Away from home, Salah scored once again, alongside a Dominik Szoboszlai strike.
Team news
Rodri was absent for City’s European clash with Dortmund earlier this week, and Guardiola said the midfielder is not likely to be risked against the Reds either.
“We are playing without the Ballon d’Or [winner] of two seasons ago, a massively important player for us and we are desperate to have him back,” said Guardiola.
“[But] knowing that Nico right now has become a really, really important and good player.”
What they said
Guardiola on Liverpool being the opponents for his 1,000th game as a manager
“If I would have to choose one rival for this personal milestone – of course, I want to share it with many, many people obviously – that would be the best. Because I’ve been longer than ever in this country. Of course Barcelona, the impact on my life as a ball boy, football player and manager also once obviously. And of course Bayern [Munich] was an incredible step as well. But Liverpool, especially with Jürgen [Klopp], have been the biggest rival in this country. Could not be better, to be honest. The destiny of the universe has decided for that. Nice to live it.”
