Manchester City is almost back to playing matches, thankfully. The international break hasn't been a fun one for fans of the Blues, as after years of investigation, the club was found guilty of breaking financial fair play rules. The club has appealed.
But at least temporarily, players and fans can forget about that mess and focus on matches again. That begins on Sunday when City travels to Liverpool to take on the Reds. The match will probably be one of the most-viewed in recent Premier League history.
Not only could the teams keep battling for the top of the league table, but everyone is going to want to know how Man City responds on the pitch to what has unfolded over the last few weeks. A win would at least put a band-aid on an oozing wound.
Predictions (that are likely wrong) for Manchester City vs. Liverpool
Antoine Semenyo has three goals
The winger didn't play during international play for Ghana due to swelling in his leg. The hope is that the condition has faded and he is fit to resume play against Liverpool. That isn't just to have Semenyo on the pitch in general, but he has also been quite good against the Reds.
In August 2025, when Semenyo was still with Bournemouth, he had two goals at Anfield. He didn't have any in his first appearance with Man City, but that will change on Sunday, as he is fully rested and ready to shock.
Four goals will be scored in the first half
The last time these clubs combined for more than three first-half goals was in November 2015, when Liverpool led 3-1. The last time even three goals were scored in the opening half was April 2022, when, oddly, the clubs combined for that many goals in the first half twice within six days.
For City, a great start might be key. Clearly, the crowd will be even less in their favor than it has been in nearly two decades. A 3-1 start could silence non-City fans at the match for at least 40 minutes or so.
Erling Haaland will go goalless
The hope is that the Norwegian is fresh for league play. He was subbed off during a recent Nations League match due to exhaustion. City has given him several days off in hopes that he overcomes whatever the issue might have been.
In three of the last five meetings between Manchester City and Liverpool, Haaland has scored once. He also had an assist in the last meeting. Liverpool will certainly focus on the City great in this match, though, and has the defensive talent to slow him. That said, the focus on Haaland will only free Semenyo to be special.
Man City wins, making the rest of the Premier League enraged
No one except for City fans wants Enzo Maresca's side to beat Liverpool. This is the first match back since the guilty verdict was announced versys the Blues, and other clubs and fans of those clubs want the worst to happen to Man City.
The question is how the charges will affect the minset of City players. The answer is likely none because it is will be easier to focus on football. That will lead to a stunning 4-2 victory with a lot of hateful talk from pundits afterward.
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