Manchester City travel to Anfield on Sunday seeking a sixth consecutive Premier League victory as they face an unbeaten Liverpool side aiming to end the visitors’ perfect start to the season.

City lead the table on goal difference after collecting 15 points from their opening five matches. Their last outing before the international break produced a thrilling 5-3 victory over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal have since drawn level on points after beating Leeds United 2-1 on Saturday, increasing the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s successors to maintain their winning run.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have collected nine points from five games, winning twice and drawing three times. Their 1-0 victory over Bournemouth before the international break kept them unbeaten but left them six points behind City in the title race.

City won all three meetings between the sides last season, but the circumstances have changed significantly, with both clubs now operating under new managers.

Andoni Iraola took charge of Liverpool this summer after guiding Bournemouth to sixth place last season. The Spaniard has overseen an unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign, although his side will face a major test against City’s free-scoring attack.

At the Etihad, Enzo Maresca has made an impressive start following Guardiola’s departure at the end of the 2025/26 season, bringing an end to the latter’s decade-long spell at the club. Maresca previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during City’s Treble-winning 2022/23 campaign.

The visitors have scored 13 goals in five league matches, compared with Liverpool’s seven, underlining the attacking threat they will carry into Sunday’s encounter.

Liverpool, however, have been more convincing defensively, with goalkeeper Alisson keeping three clean sheets, one more than City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The hosts will be without leading scorer Alexander Isak, who has been ruled out with a minor thigh injury sustained while on international duty. The Swedish striker has scored four league goals, one fewer than City’s Erling Haaland.

Liverpool must also cope without Cody Gakpo after the winger picked up an ankle injury while representing the Netherlands. Gakpo has supplied three assists in the league, matching City forward Antoine Semenyo’s tally.

The absences could create opportunities for Bradley Barcola to play a more prominent role in attack, with Iraola highlighting the Frenchman’s versatility ahead of the contest. Jeremy Jacquet, meanwhile, is expected to be fit.

City have received more encouraging news, with Haaland available for the trip to Merseyside. However, midfielder Phil Foden will miss the match through suspension.

Maresca’s side will look to extend their winning streak and strengthen their position at the top of the table, while Liverpool will seek to preserve their unbeaten record and close the gap on the leaders.

A victory for the hosts would also end City’s perfect start and provide an early statement of Liverpool’s credentials under Iraola.

The match kicks off at Anfield at 4.30pm BST