Etihad Set for Cup Fireworks
Manchester City host Liverpool at the Etihad on Saturday lunchtime with a place in the Cup semi-finals at stake. The sides meet again after City completed a league double over Liverpool this season, including a 2–1 win at Anfield.
Match Analysis
Manchester City return from the international break in good shape after beating Arsenal 2–0 in the League Cup final, a result that steadied things after a difficult spell earlier in the campaign. With the CL no longer in the picture, this traditional English Cup has taken on added importance. City’s record in this competition backs that up — 19 wins from their last 21 matches, including a 3–1 victory at Newcastle in the previous round.
At the Etihad, they’ve been relentless. Seventeen straight home wins in this cup puts them level with a long-standing record, and another victory here would see them move clear. They’ve also had Liverpool’s number this season. Two league wins already, and another here would make it three in the same campaign — something that doesn’t happen often against this level of opponent.
Liverpool arrive juggling priorities. A CL tie with PSG is just around the corner, and their run-in across competitions is starting to pile up. Their cup record in this tournament in recent years has been patchy. They did go all the way in 2022, but aside from that, deep runs have been rare — just one semi-final appearance in the last decade.
They got through the last round with a 3–1 win over Wolves, but their recent trips to the Etihad haven’t gone well. Earlier this season, they were beaten 3–0 here.
There’s also added focus on Mohamed Salah after confirmation that he will leave the club at the end of the season. If he’s fit enough to start, he changes the look of Liverpool’s attack immediately. City will expect to have more of the ball and spend longer in Liverpool’s half, especially at home where they tend to pin teams back.
Liverpool are harder to pin down. They’ve shown they can defend deep and counter, but also have players who are comfortable keeping possession when needed. It often depends on how the game starts.
These meetings tend to open up sooner or later. Goals have been a regular feature when these sides meet, and there’s little to suggest this one will be any different.
Team News
Manchester City are still without Josko Gvardiol, while John Stones and Ruben Dias will be checked before kickoff. Marc Guehi is available again after missing the EFL Cup final, and James Trafford is expected to start in goal.
There’s also a decision to make on the left side, with Nico O’Reilly and Rayan Ait-Nouri both options.
Liverpool remain without Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo. Jeremie Frimpong is a doubt after being forced off on international duty, which could mean Joe Gomez starts at right-back.
Mohamed Salah is close to returning, while Alexander Isak is back in training but may not be ready. Hugo Ekitike is expected to start up front.
Odds and Tips
City have been extremely reliable at home in this competition, and their recent record against Liverpool this season adds to that.
Liverpool are still capable of causing problems, especially if Salah is involved, but they arrive with more uncertainty around both availability and schedule.
Everything points towards City having the edge here, particularly at the Etihad.
Tip: Manchester City to win at 1.78.
Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last Updated: 03.04.2026
