Key Takeaways:
- Manchester City will host Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, in Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th match as a manager
- Guardiola has secured six Premier League titles with City, while either City or Liverpool have lifted the trophy in each of the past eight seasons
- Both sides approach this pivotal fixture in strong form, with City winning six of their last seven matches and Liverpool recently triumphing over Aston Villa and Real Madrid
Guardiola Reaches Historic Milestone
Pep Guardiola will enter the elite group of managers overseeing 1,000 senior fixtures when Manchester City face Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The encounter, scheduled for 17:30 CET, promises both personal significance for Guardiola and broader implications for the title race.
Over the past eight seasons, only Manchester City or Liverpool have been crowned Premier League champions, with Guardiola’s City capturing the title on six occasions. The rivalry has repeatedly produced dramatic encounters at the pinnacle of English football.
👏 @PepTeam will take charge of the 1000th match of his spectacular managerial career in Sunday’s PL clash with Liverpool.
The outstanding manager of the modern era and one of the greatest of all-time, Pep joins an exclusive club of coaches to oversee a senior side 1000 times 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 6, 2025
Guardiola Reflects on Career and Rivalry
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss described Liverpool as his greatest adversary in England. Highlighting the impact of English football and the significance of the occasion, Guardiola stated in his pre-match press conference:
“If I have to choose one rival to do this, I will share it with many people, but this will be the best,” he said in his pre-match news conference.
“I have been here longer than ever in this country, the impact it’s had on my life. Barcelona is my club and Bayern was incredible as well but Liverpool have been the biggest rival in this country and especially Jurgen [Klopp], it could not be better. The destiny and universe has decided for this.
“We have to be our best. I know how quickly everything goes here. One week ago, Liverpool, six defeats, was a disaster, won two but now they come back to their best.
“I’m pretty sure all managers take a little time for more perspective and everyone has ups and downs in the competition.
“I have a higher opinion about Liverpool right now. Last season we were losing six games in seven games, it’s the same.”
Recent Form and Fixture Analysis
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have rediscovered their momentum after experiencing a period featuring four consecutive Premier League defeats. Reviving their confidence, back-to-back victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid have underscored their formidable potential.
Manchester City themselves are on an impressive run, having secured six wins in their previous seven outings. Guardiola’s side will be aiming to extend their recent three-match winning streak achieved within the past week.
Guardiola acknowledged the test ahead, hoping the momentum can be maintained against such esteemed opposition:
“We are better but we have to prove it again,” he added. “The last three victories help a lot.
“Swansea helped us a lot, we showed many good things in that game. Bournemouth and the game against Dortmund but we know the rival that we have.
“I saw the game against Real Madrid, the quality they have. They are a top, top team.
“Hopefully our people come to celebrate my anniversary in the stadium and together we can beat an important rival.”
Upcoming Fixture Overview
| Fixture | Date | Venue | Kick-off | Notable Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City v Liverpool | Sunday | Etihad Stadium | 17:30 CET | Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th game as manager |
