Football fans worldwide turn their attention this Sunday evening to the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, where one of the season’s most anticipated Premier League matches takes place, as reigning champions Liverpool visit Manchester City in the 11th round of the league.

This encounter is not only a fierce competition between two of England’s greatest teams over the past decade but also carries a distinct Egyptian flavor with star Mohamed Salah, captain of Egypt and Liverpool’s key player, facing off against Omar Marmoush, Manchester City’s rising talent, who is enjoying one of his best periods in European football.

A fiery showdown between champions and challengers

Manchester City enters the match sitting third in the Premier League table with 19 points from six wins, one draw, and three losses. Under Pep Guardiola, the team seeks to regain balance and return to the top after a shaky start that included defeats to Tottenham, Newcastle, and Chelsea in previous rounds. The recent 3-1 win over Bournemouth restored confidence among the “Citizens,” but today’s clash with Liverpool is a true test of the team’s ambitions to maintain its status among the elite.

Liverpool in pursuit

Liverpool comes into the game sixth with 18 points, just one behind rivals Manchester City.

The Reds aim to capitalize on their good form after two consecutive wins: a domestic 2-0 victory over Aston Villa and a 1-0 European triumph against Real Madrid in the Champions League, seen by many as a clear signal that Liverpool is “back to life” following a series of poor results.

Match time and broadcast

• Time: 7:30 PM (19:30) Amman time

• Stadium: Etihad – Manchester

• Broadcast: beIN Sports HD 1 – Arabic live commentary

Attempting to confirm the revival

After a strong season start, Liverpool struggled with four consecutive league defeats to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Brentford, putting Dutch coach Jürgen Klopp under pressure and raising questions about his ability to lead the team as successfully as last season when he won the league.

However, the team has shown clear signs of recovery over the past two weeks, not only winning back-to-back matches but also thanks to strong defensive performances that restored overall confidence. Liverpool kept clean sheets against Villa and Real Madrid, which experts see as proof that Klopp has begun to find the ideal balance between defensive discipline and attacking freedom led by Salah and Darwin Núñez.

Mohamed Salah… all eyes on him

All attention will be on Mohamed Salah, who is aiming to score against Manchester City for the ninth time in his career. Salah has had an inconsistent season so far but remains Liverpool’s key trump card, capable of making decisive contributions in critical moments. Klopp is expected to play him in an advanced role alongside Núñez and Díaz, giving him freedom to move across the wings and into spaces behind City’s defense.

Omar Marmoush… City’s surprise

On the other side, Egyptian fans await Omar Marmoush’s appearance for Manchester City in the first “Pharaohs’ Derby” of its kind in the Premier League. Marmoush, who joined City in the summer transfer window after impressing in the Bundesliga, has secured a starting role in recent weeks thanks to his speed and versatility across multiple attacking positions. Fans look forward to a thrilling direct showdown with fellow Egyptian Mohamed Salah, a rare moment reminiscent of past clashes between Egyptian stars in European football.

Battle for points and positions

With only a single point separating the teams, the match is essentially a “six-pointer” in the title race. A City win brings them closer to the top and maintains pressure on leaders Arsenal, while a Liverpool victory gives the defending champions a major boost in defending their title and signaling their real return to the top.

Both teams favor attacking football: City relies on a potent forward line led by Haaland and Foden, while Liverpool depends on the trio of Salah, Núñez, and Díaz. The tactical duel between Guardiola and Klopp will be crucial, especially given the experience gap between the two managers.