Gary Neville has shared his “gut feeling” prediction ahead of Manchester City’s crucial clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
City, winners of four consecutive Premier League titles and six of the last seven, are facing an uncharacteristic slump. With five losses in their last six matches across all competitions, Pep Guardiola’s dominant side looks vulnerable as they try to keep their title defense alive.
Already eight points behind league leaders Liverpool, a defeat on Sunday would extend the gap to 11 points. Depending on other results, City could even drop out of the top four by the end of the weekend.
### Neville’s Prediction
Speaking on *The Overlap US*, Neville acknowledged City’s ability to surprise but admitted his gut tells him Liverpool will “run all over” the champions and take all three points.
“I think Liverpool versus Manchester City is really interesting,” Neville began. “I’m doing the game and can’t wait for it because there is a lot riding on it. I’ve never seen City look as vulnerable in the Pep Guardiola era.”
Neville noted the unusual pressure on Liverpool to deliver, given City’s poor form:
“Jamie Redknapp made a good point, saying the pressure in this fixture is now on Liverpool because everyone expects them to win – everyone is beating City!
“What will that do to Liverpool? I think Liverpool will win. With their intensity and passion, I think they could run all over City.
“But you can never fully write off a Pep Guardiola team. Is this the day they respond to the pressure and come alive? It could be. But my gut still says Liverpool will take this one.”
Neville added that Liverpool’s need for a win may outweigh City’s desperation:
“The pressure is on Liverpool more than City because of what has happened. City losing so many games is unheard of, and that makes this fascinating. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.”
### City’s Struggles This Season
Neville also highlighted City’s glaring issues this season, particularly their lack of energy and dynamism in midfield.
“Losing Rodri has been huge,” Neville explained. “The players stepping in—Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan—have been criticised for being too slow. City look like they’re missing the legs and energy that used to define them.”
Reflecting on recent matches, Neville added:
“City have been so dominant in the last decade that watching them now feels strange. For years, they had 75% possession, and you’d expect them to win every game—it became predictable.
“But something is different this season. I thought they’d reset after the international break, come back strong, and go for five titles in a row. But the energy, the quality—it’s not there. Something isn’t right.”
While City’s vulnerability may be “good for the league,” as Neville put it, their fans will be hoping the team finds its spark again at Anfield. For Guardiola’s side, Sunday is shaping up to be a must-win match to keep their season on track.
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