Man City face Liverpool at Anfield in first game since guilty verdict

League leaders Manchester City go to Anfield on Sunday 11 October 2026 for their first league match since an independent commission found the club guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules.

The commission found City guilty of all charges relating to breaches between 2009-10 and 2017-18, according to BBC. The ruling used the word "sham" eight times to describe the club's dealings. City deny the findings. They have appealed.

City contend the ruling contained "clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe". The club continues to maintain its innocence while the appeal process runs. No punishment has been confirmed in the verified facts.

Head coach Enzo Maresca will lead City at Anfield. He said he joined City because he trusts the owner, chief executive, sporting director and organisation 100%. He also warned his players about the noise to come. The environment at Anfield will probably be worse because of the situation.

Kick-off is at 16:30 BST at Anfield in Liverpool, according to Manchester City. The game will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event. City arrived top of the table. Liverpool, managed by Andoni Iraola, were one of five sides still unbeaten in the league.

There is history here. Liverpool finished second behind City in 2013/14, 2018/19 and 2021/22. In the last two of those seasons, the gap was a single point. That record gives this fixture an extra edge for both sets of supporters.

Merseyside Police said an appropriate policing operation will be in place for the match, according to Reuters. Anfield is often loud for this fixture. Maresca expects it to be louder still.

What makes this stand out is the split screen. On the pitch, it is first against an unbeaten rival. Off the pitch, it is a club challenging a guilty verdict that questions past titles. For fans, this means ninety minutes where every tackle and chant will feel loaded.