Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has delivered his verdict ahead of this weekend’s blockbuster Premier League fixture, predicting that Manchester City will beat Liverpool when the two sides meet on Sunday, 9 November.
The Anfield club have been in encouraging form under new boss Arne Slot, stringing together important wins over Real Madrid and Aston Villa. Both victories came by fine margins, yet they have reinvigorated a side that struggled through October.
For Liverpool fans, who only weeks ago were questioning the team’s direction, confidence has begun to return — and talk of Slot earning a contract extension has already surfaced.
However, the ultimate test of this resurgence awaits on Sunday, when Liverpool travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, a side long regarded as the Reds’ fiercest domestic rivals.
Few fixtures in modern football carry as much weight, and few divide opinion as sharply.
Crouch backs City — ‘My head rules my heart’
Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast, the former England international admitted that while his loyalties lie with Liverpool, he can’t see past the reigning champions’ current form.
“I know my score,” Crouch said. “I’m going with, I think Manchester City 2-1, which pains me to say. It pains me to say Liverpool score, but I think City at the moment might be a little bit too strong.”
Crouch went on to praise the team selections from both managers but suggested that Guardiola’s depth could make the difference.
“I like the team they picked. Liverpool in the last game against Villa, did feel that they’ve, hopefully they can bounce back. And I hope I’m wrong in some ways, but my head rules to my heart, 2-1.”
It is a prediction that will sting Liverpool supporters but one that is difficult to argue with given City’s consistency this season.
Guardiola’s side sit second in the Premier League table and, despite injuries and suspensions, continue to find ways to win.
The Cityzens have built their dominance on relentless possession football and a ruthlessly efficient attack — qualities that have often undone Liverpool in the past.
The rivalry between the two clubs has become one of the defining narratives of the Premier League era. Under Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool’s high-pressing, fast-paced football pushed City to their limits.
However, the Reds were often left frustrated as Guardiola’s men pipped them to multiple titles. Klopp’s sole Premier League triumph in 2020 remains a reminder of just how close — and how costly — those near misses were.
A test of Liverpool’s progress under Slot
Amid the prediction that Manchester City will beat Liverpool, Sunday’s trip to Manchester represents more than just a top-of-the-table clash for Arne Slot; it is a benchmark of how far his team has come since his summer arrival.
The Dutchman has quickly instilled greater control and composure into Liverpool’s play, but City are a different animal entirely — one that exposes every weakness.
Recent meetings between the two sides have been evenly contested, with results often coming down to individual brilliance or moments of fortune. In their last five encounters, each team has claimed two wins, with one draw between them.
For neutral fans, these games have provided some of the league’s most exhilarating football — relentless tempo, tactical chess, and emotional drama in equal measure.
This season’s meeting comes at a fascinating time. Liverpool have won their last two games in all competitions, showing glimpses of their old spark, while City enter the fixture on a three-match winning streak.
Both clubs appear to be gathering momentum as the season heads toward its busy winter stretch.
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Yet City’s midfield balance could face disruption. Spanish international Rodri remains a doubt after struggling for fitness since returning from a knee injury.
He missed City’s recent Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, and Guardiola may be forced to make adjustments if the influential midfielder is not ready to feature.
For Liverpool, that could be a rare opportunity to exploit space in central areas — something that has been nearly impossible against City in recent years.
Meanwhile, despite their improved performances, questions remain about Liverpool’s defensive discipline and consistency.
Slot’s side has occasionally switched off in crucial moments, and City’s attackers — led by Erling Haaland and supported by the creativity of Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki — rarely need a second invitation.
