Manchester City faces hostile Anfield reception amid financial charges

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca stated that the club's Premier League titles are "absolutely not" tainted, but the team will face a potentially hostile atmosphere at Anfield on Sunday for their match against Liverpool. This encounter marks City's first Premier League game since an independent commission found the club guilty of the majority of 115 financial charges brought against them by the Premier League.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola anticipates an "exciting game" at home against the league leaders, who have won all five of their Premier League matches this season. "We will go for the game, they will go for it and it will be quite an open game and we have to be ready," Iraola said. He acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in his team, stating, "We also are very good."

This fixture is notable as it is the first time since 2015 that neither Pep Guardiola nor Jurgen Klopp will be on the touchline for this clash. However, a fervent atmosphere is still expected, with Liverpool chairman Tom Werner in attendance.

Past encounters between Liverpool and Manchester City have been intense, both on and off the field. In 2018, UEFA fined Liverpool 20,000 euros after supporters threw missiles at the City team bus before a Champions League quarter-final match at Anfield. Earlier that same season, in January, Liverpool ended City's unbeaten league run with a 4-3 victory at Anfield.

Guardiola himself described Anfield in 2019 as a place where, after conceding a goal, opponents feel as though they will concede several more within minutes. He noted that "You feel small and the rival players seem to be all over."

Merseyside Police have confirmed an appropriate policing plan will be in place for Sunday's match. Social media posts indicate that fans are planning a "Bus Greeting" on Anfield Road. While it is unclear if a separate bus route will be used, this has occurred previously at Anfield. Inside the stadium, Liverpool fans are known for their elaborate banners and flags, and displays are anticipated. There have also been suggestions on social media for fans to bring stacks of fake money.

Liverpool's official stance is "business as usual," with regular safety meetings taking place as they would before any major fixture. However, the circumstances surrounding the match, particularly the Premier League's financial charges against City, suggest this is likely to be an occasion unlike any other.

John Achterberg, Liverpool's former goalkeeping coach, reflected on the past, stating that some successes feel "wrongly denied" due to City's alleged financial rule breaches. He noted that Liverpool could have won more Premier League titles had they not been narrowly pipped by City on previous occasions. Iraola also commented on the "uncertainty" surrounding the situation, emphasizing the need for his team to focus on their own performance and being the best club they can be.