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What reception awaits Man City at Anfield?

Bus welcomes, banners and flags expected as Man City head to Liverpool on Sunday for their first game since they were found guilty of breaching Premier League rules.

What reception awaits Man City at Anfield?

The upcoming match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Anfield in December 2024 promises to be an intense encounter. Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola recalled the hostile chants from the Liverpool crowd during a difficult period when the team was 2-0 down at Anfield. Guardiola, who won six Premier League titles with City, attempted to lift six fingers to the Liverpool fans, symbolizing his six titles.

However, recent events have tarnished those successes as an independent commission found the club guilty of 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League. Despite this, City boss Enzo Maresca insists the club's titles are "absolutely not" tainted. The Liverpool manager, Andrew Iraola, acknowledges the challenge but emphasizes his team's readiness to compete at a high level.

The fixture is particularly significant as it will be the first time since 2015 that neither Guardiola nor Jurgen Klopp will be present on the sidelines. With Liverpool finishing second in the Premier League under both Klopp and Guardiola, the rivalry is fueled by a backstory of narrowly missed titles. The atmosphere at Anfield is expected to be fierce, with fans known for their passionate displays.

While there are plans for a "bus greeting" and various banners, the focus remains on the high-stakes game ahead.

Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport Football's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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