What Man City players can expect when they face Liverpool as police warning issued
It is the club's first game since they were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules.
Manchester City will no doubt receive a hostile reception when they face Liverpool in their first match since being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, but what else can they expect?
It has been an interesting international break, to say the least. As most of you will already know, an independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules.
The club have maintained their innocence throughout the process, insisting it has a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to support its position.
In fact, City head coach Enzo Maresca said ahead of their trip to Anfield on Sunday that the club's owners are "convinced" they will win their appeal against the independent commission's verdict.
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Still, it will likely be an uncomfortable season for City's players as the fallout continues from a verdict that has rocked world football. So, what can they expect when they travel to Anfield on Sunday?
Liverpool fans plan 'bus greeting' ahead of kick-off
Firstly, Merseyside Police have responded to a social media post that urges Liverpool fans to bring "flags, banners, pyros, flares and Koppabergs" to a so-called "bus greeting" near the stadium before kick-off.
Police have said they are aware of the post and insist that an "appropriate policing plan will be in place" for the match.
Back in 2018, City's team bus suffered a smashed window on its approach to Anfield after Liverpool supporters ignored warnings over flares and smoke bombs ahead of the Champions League quarter-final.
City's team bus arrives at Anfield. Image credit: Getty
City's team bus arrives at Anfield. Image credit: Getty
Gary Neville predicts City players will receive reception 'like you have never seen' at Anfield
It will be a "brutal day" for the City squad, according to former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, who believes Maresca's side will be in for an intense afternoon at Anfield.
"If they want an understanding of how angry the game is going to be, then Anfield will tell them like you would never believe," Neville said on The Overlap podcast.
"I suspect there may be banners, there will certainly be chanting. There will be a reception like you have never seen for them at Anfield...it will be a brutal day."
As mentioned above, City players will likely have to try and block out the noise from crowds in the coming weeks and months. Cheating-related chants will be expected alongside excessive boos and banners.
READ MORE:Erling Haaland stance on Man City guilty verdict revealed by teammate after 'leaked' contract detail
Ahead of the game at Anfield, Erling Haaland has urged City fans to "stick together" and "stay positive" after the club's guilty verdict.
"I think they [the City fans travelling to Anfield] are gonna have a good time," he told City's media channel. "We have to stick together. We have to stay with each other, and we have to stay positive.
"No matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile. We have to stay positive, look ahead and try to win football games and try to enjoy the situation and win the game."
Haaland added: "We have to stick together, and we have to spread the love to each other. So yeah, stick together, enjoy the ride and smile."