Neville and Scholes Align on Liverpool Edge Ahead of Manchester City Clash
Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League showdown with Manchester City has already drawn predictions from across the footballing world. Yet, when two Manchester United legends – Gary Neville and Paul Scholes – share the same opinion on the outcome, it inevitably captures attention.
Both former teammates turned pundits discussed the highly anticipated fixture on the Stick to Football podcast, offering a rare moment of agreement as they both tipped Liverpool to secure victory over Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions.
Rivalry Reignited at the Top
Liverpool’s meeting with Manchester City this weekend feels every bit as decisive as a title clash in early November can. Arne Slot’s side have rediscovered rhythm following a challenging October, and their wins against Aston Villa and Real Madrid have put them right back among the Premier League’s frontrunners.
City, meanwhile, remain an ever-present threat. Guardiola’s team have shown their usual control and ruthlessness, powered by Erling Haaland’s relentless scoring and the midfield dominance that defines their play. Yet recent cracks — particularly against sides willing to press and counter — have given opponents renewed belief.
It’s within that context that Neville and Scholes see Liverpool’s resurgence as potentially decisive. Both men, renowned for their analysis despite their Old Trafford allegiances, suggested the Merseyside club might have the edge this weekend.
Confidence in Slot’s Rejuvenated Reds
Speaking on the podcast, Scholes admitted he had a simple instinct about the clash. “I’ve not got a massive feeling, I just think Liverpool are better,” he said. Neville agreed immediately, replying: “2-1 to Liverpool then.”
It was a concise exchange, but one that reflects a growing consensus around Slot’s impact. Since taking over from Jürgen Klopp, the Dutchman has imposed structure and purpose on a team that looked fatigued in parts last season. Players like Conor Bradley have stepped up impressively, while new signings such as Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz are starting to find their feet.
The return to form has restored belief that Liverpool can compete on multiple fronts again — and with the Premier League table finely balanced, Sunday’s match could be a defining moment.
Pressure Building for Ekitike
Among the many storylines surrounding this game, one of the more intriguing centres on Ekitike. With Alexander Isak still recovering from injury, the French forward is expected to lead the line once more. While his performances this season have been strong, there remains pressure for him to turn those into defining contributions in the biggest games.
Ekitike’s numbers this term are encouraging, and his work rate has impressed both fans and coaches. However, with Isak edging closer to fitness and competition intensifying, this fixture represents a key opportunity to strengthen his claim as Slot’s preferred striker.
Liverpool’s attack under Slot has shown glimpses of fluidity and invention, with Wirtz providing creativity from midfield and Bradley continuing his emergence as a consistent force on the right. Against City’s compact defensive unit, those margins of precision will be crucial.
Momentum and Margins
With both teams separated by just a single point near the summit, even a narrow win could have significant implications. Slot’s men have found belief again, while Guardiola’s side continue to search for their usual rhythm amid a demanding schedule.
Neville and Scholes may rarely find common ground when it comes to Liverpool, but their shared prediction underlines a sense that this could be Slot’s statement victory — a result that would reaffirm Liverpool’s credentials as genuine title contenders once more.
