Liverpool takes on Manchester City next up in the Premier League, with a hostile atmosphere expected at Anfield following the guilty verdict given to the visitors
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford
Gary Neville has predicted what will happen when Man City meets Liverpool(Image: (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))
Gary Neville has predicted that Liverpool fans will create a hostile environment for Manchester City when the two teams face off in the Premier League next weekend.
It comes against the backdrop of the visitors being found guilty by an independent panel on charges brought against the club back in 2023 for alleged breaches that took place from 2009 to 2018. Those 115 charges included allegations of inaccurate financial reporting, possible breaking of financial rules as a result of that, and non-compliance with cooperation during the investigation phase.
After the independent panel spent almost two years looking at the argument from both sides, Man City was found guilty on all but one of those charges. Man City denies any wrongdoing and is set to appeal the decision that has been made. That is set to extend the process and the eventual final outcome as a result.
While everyone waits for the result of the case, and any possible sanction that could follow, the Premier League fixture schedule will continue with business as usual.
That means Man City will continue to compete in the division, where each clash may be analyzed against the backdrop of the charges that continue to lurk behind them.
The first test of the players, coaches, and fanbase after the international break will be an almighty clash with Liverpool at Anfield, which is a far from easy setting for the away side, considering the close proximity of the two teams in recent Premier League title races, and the hostility that could come as a result.
Enzo Maresca gestures
Enzo Maresca has only been with Manchester City for a number of months(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Neville has predicted that the Liverpool supporters will make it an uncomfortable afternoon next Sunday for Enzo Maresca's side, as he said on Stick to Football: "If they [Man City] want an understanding of how angry it is going to be, Anfield will tell them next Sunday, like you would never believe.
"I suspect there will be banners, chanting, and a reception like you have never seen. The players and Maresca will take the brunt of it. It will be a brutal day."
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher then added a question about the players after, stating: "There is this story that the club knew earlier in the summer. How would you feel if you are Elliot Anderson and joined?"
It sums up a difficult situation those at Man City have been placed in, with many of the charges pre-dating those who are currently at the club in a playing and coaching capacity.
However, that is likely to be the situation they will have to deal with for the foreseeable future, with Liverpool set to be the first real test in a post-verdict world.
It remains to be seen what will follow in this case, which continues to twist and turn, but Liverpool will be keeping a keen eye on proceedings.