Man City vs Liverpool FA Cup preview, team news and prediction

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Manchester City and Liverpool face each other for the third time this season, with City arriving off the back of a morale-boosting win before the international break. Guardiola’s side also claimed the first major trophy of the campaign by beating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, a performance that underlined their familiar winning edge as the season enters its decisive stretch.

City have already had the better of Liverpool in the league, completing a double over the reigning Premier League champions, including a commanding 3-0 victory at the Etihad. They have generally been reliable at home too, winning five of their last seven matches at the stadium, with the only setback coming against Real Madrid — a game in which they were reduced in numbers after Bernardo Silva’s red card.

Liverpool, by contrast, are increasingly relying on cup competitions for success, still alive in both the FA Cup and Champions League. Their league form has faltered, leaving them behind Aston Villa and Manchester United in the fight for Champions League qualification. Away results have been a particular issue, with Arne Slot’s team losing three of their last four in all competitions, including defeats to Brighton, Galatasaray and Wolves.

There have also been late defensive lapses: Liverpool have conceded eight Premier League goals in the 90th minute or later this season, their highest total in a single campaign. Their games often produce goals too, with over 2.5 landing in five of their last seven matches.

With City buoyed by silverware and strong at home — and Liverpool showing vulnerability at the back — the pick here is a Manchester City win.

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Man City remain without Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture), while John Stones (calf) and Ruben Dias (hamstring) will be assessed. Marc Guehi is available again and could partner Dias if fit, or Abdukodir Khusanov/Nathan Ake, with James Trafford expected to start in goal. Nico O’Reilly may stay at left-back, although Guardiola could recall Rayan Ait-Nouri and move O’Reilly into midfield. Erling Haaland is set to lead the line, possibly supported by Antoine Semenyo.

Liverpool are still missing Alisson (muscle), Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni (knee), and Wataru Endo (ankle), with Jeremie Frimpong a fitness check. Alexander Isak is back in training but may not be ready; Hugo Ekitike is expected to start up front. Mohamed Salah is close to returning, and Dominik Szoboszlai could fill in at right-back if Frimpong is unavailable, freeing Florian Wirtz to play at No.10.

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