Manchester City is set to play their first match since receiving a guilty verdict for numerous breaches of Premier League financial regulations, with Liverpool as their opponent on Sunday. The match, held at Anfield, is expected to elicit a strong reaction from the Liverpool crowd, which believes it has been significantly affected by City's past actions.
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City, managed by Enzo Maresca, is preparing for the intense atmosphere as the team's players face potential backlash from the stands. Liverpool fans are likely to express their discontent vocally, perhaps through banners and chants, as they confront City over the financial scandal that has overshadowed the league.
City has maintained their innocence and is appealing the verdict related to over 100 charges of financial misconduct. This controversy is regarded as the most significant scandal in the Premier League, affecting the reputation of the sport and echoing long after any potential outcomes from the appeal.
The charges in question, which date back to 2009, are linked to two memorable title races where Liverpool finished as runners-up to City in the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons. Liverpool's fans argue that the titles City may lose should be awarded to their closest rivals from those years. Liverpool did win the Premier League in 2020 but has yet to see any retrospective awards from previous near-misses.
One historic moment etched in Liverpool’s memory is Steven Gerrard’s slip against Chelsea in the 2013-14 season, which denied them a title that year. Though some supporters believe they deserve recognition for that near-championship, it remains uncertain whether any titles will be assigned retroactively if City is penalized.
Currently, no members of City’s squad played between 2009 and 2018, aside from Phil Foden, who is suspended for the match. Enzo Maresca, who joined as the first-team manager in June, was previously a youth coach at the club. However, the current team is expected to absorb the frustration from fans across the league in the coming months.
As City leads the Premier League with five wins from five games, the impact of the guilty verdict on the team’s morale and performance remains to be seen. The reactions from their fans and players, especially under the shadow of potential severe sanctions including points deductions, will be pivotal in the upcoming match against a charged Liverpool side.