Manchester City vs Liverpool prediction 04.04.2026 | FA Cup

Manchester City have another good season. In the Premier League, they are nine points behind the league leader, Arsenal, but with one game fewer played, so Pep Guardiola's team still has a chance for another title.     However, Manchester City's form was far from ideal lately, with only two victories in the last six matches across all competitions. Still, a 2-0 win in the EFL Cup final against Arsenal in the most recent outing should restore most of the confidence. 

Reports suggest that Pep Guardiola could leave Manchester City as early as this summer. Although he remains under contract until 2027, an early departure is increasingly seen as a real possibility. The media have already begun speculating about potential successors, with Enzo Maresca seeming the favorite for the role. However, replacing Guardiola is no simple task, given the extraordinary standards he has set at the club.

Manchester City will be without injured Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias on Saturday afternoon. Also, John Stones is questionable, and his status will be clearer closer to the kickoff. 

Liverpool entered the 2025/26 season with ambitions to defend the Premier League title, but right now their only goal is to secure a place in the Champions League next year. Still, Arne Slot's team will have to improve their form dramatically, as they have won only two of the last six matches. In the most recent outing, Liverpool lost 2-1 on the road against Brighton. The hosts had far better goal-scoring chances throughout the game, and it would feel undeserved if the visitors managed to get one point. 

After more than three months of recovery from a broken leg, Liverpool's Alexander Isak could return to the pitch on Saturday at Etihad Stadium. The Swedish international scored only three goals in 16 matches this season in all competitions, but his return could provide at least some depth in the attack. 

While Isak is back, Liverpool will still be without Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, and Giovanni Leoni. Also, Mohamed Salah is questionable.