Marc Guehi returns to Anfield with Manchester City after a collapsed Liverpool move; his arrival could steady City's backline, so punters might favour City to avoid defeat or back under 2.5 goals/clean-sheet options in Sunday’s clash — Liverpool’s defensive questions make a tight, low-scoring result plausible.
Guehi set for emotional Anfield return after failed Liverpool move
Marc Guehi faces Liverpool for the first time since a proposed Anfield transfer fell through. The former Crystal Palace centre-back completed a January move to Manchester City for a reported £20m after interest from Liverpool stalled in the summer. Guehi has already experienced Anfield in a cup tie with his new club and now prepares for his first league visit to the ground.
Transfer saga ends with City swoop
City entered the race late and secured the England international as they sought to bolster defensive options. The signing was presented as a solution to defensive struggles, and Guehi has spoken positively about his switch and the learning curve since arriving in the North West.
Guehi on the move: focus, faith and form
Guehi said: "I just feel like this is the place for me to improve. Just being here for two minutes, it feels like I've learned so much from every single person, the players, the staff and the manager. I feel like I've been filled with so much knowledge and it's exactly what I've been wanting for so long - it's great. It depends how the type of person you are, how you deal with different situations, for me I just like to be in the background. My face being everywhere isn't nice. You're at the football club so of course, football is on, 'ah my face is there.' It's fine because I've got good people around me, I just want to do my job."
Asked about the failed move to Liverpool and ending up at City, he added: "I've said in previous interviews that it wasn't up to me, it was God's plan and God's plan has been in full fruition so I'm just looking forward to playing a game, playing a top opposition and a great environment, do the best I can to get a win."
What this means for Liverpool’s season and Champions League hopes
Liverpool head into the fixture under pressure as they chase Champions League qualification, with just 14 Premier League games remaining. The clash at Anfield is framed as a must-win in that pursuit, and results elsewhere on Sunday — including earlier kick-offs for Manchester United and Chelsea — will shape the stakes.
Squad business and transfer context
Liverpool did secure a defensive addition in the window but that signing is scheduled to arrive in the summer, after the club won the race for Jeremy Jacquet. The manager admitted there were attempts to strengthen during the winter but that player availability and long-term planning were decisive factors. He stressed satisfaction with the current squad while acknowledging injury absences have influenced transfer thinking.
Match outlook and betting angles
Sunday’s meeting promises intensity and narrative — a former Liverpool target returning with Manchester City adds spice.
With Guehi expected to bring defensive solidity to City and Liverpool navigating injuries, the fixture could be cagey.
Betting markets may favour City to avoid defeat, with under 2.5 goals or clean-sheet-related bets presenting attractive options for value-seeking punters.
Man City vs. Newcastle score, stats, talking points as Marmoush double fires
Liverpool missed out on Marc Guehi's signature at the end of the summer transfer window, and they come up against their former target when Manchester City visit Anfield on Sunday
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