Goodnight from me

And relax.... that's all from me this evening.

Thanks so much for your company - after what can only be described as a Premier League classic with Liverpool.

And we end the day as we began it - on top of the table with a vital point advantage on Jurgen Klopp's side.

Now the focus switches to that huge Champions League quarter-final decider away to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, brief highlights from today's win will be available from 8.15pm on mancity.com, while you will also be able to watch a full-match replay on CITY+ from midnight tonight.

We will be back for that big European night against Atletico on Wednesday. Until then enjoy the rest of your Sunday - and take care!

Pep: 'This is not over'

More from the boss:

"In Anfield (in October) we played incredible first half and it was the same result here. I had a feeling that we missed the opportunity to get the full points.

"This is not over. I would say the same with a defeat and with a victory. We know what we have to do. Madrid, then the FA Cup semi-final then finish the Premier League as strong as possible."

Pep: 'I'm so proud of my team'

Pep Guardiola's verdict:

"We faced them. It is a good advert for the Premier League. It was a fantastic game with both teams trying to win the game. Unfortunately we did not win, Liverpool are a joy to watch with all the threats they have up front. 

"We performed very well and I’m so so proud of my team. We performed incredibly well. Both teams know with seven games left we have to win them all, we’re going to play for that."

KDB's praise for 'excellent' City

Let's get ready to rumble (again!)

A reminder, if any were needed, that City and Liverpool meet again at Wembley in six days time in the FA Cup semi-final.

If today is anything to go by we are in for another absolute belter.

Can't wait!

Mad stat

Henderson: 'Liverpool will keep going'

Jordan Henderson's full-time verdict:

 "City don't drop many points, we know that. We have to concentrate on ourselves and win as many games as possible.

"If they slip up we have to be there right behind them. We'll keep going until the end." 

Quality street

I thought the 2-2 draw at Anfield back in October was one of the finest Premier League matches I had seen.

This if anything surpassed it.

City were magnificent in so many facets of our game but Liverpool showed their ability too.

It was everything you would want a game of this magnitude to be - except for a late City winner perhaps!

Picture perfect

Richards: 'City were outstanding today'

Micah Richards' view:

"On fixtures Liverpool, have the harder run but every game, one at a time. It is going to be tough no matter what

"I thought City were outstanding today The levels of fitness, quality, decision making. I thought City had the better chances. In that first half I thought City had more than Liverpool." 

So good again today...

More twists and turns in store?

Despite the hype, nothing was going to be decided today.

And as KDB pointed out in his post match interview both sides have seven tough games ahead of them.

The nature of the Premier League means there could yet be more twists and turns between now and the end of May.

Our official full-time verdict

KDB: 'We need to play like that for the rest of the season'

More from KDB:

"I know a lot of people said that whoever wins today gets the title but I don’t think either team thinks that way.

"The schedule is so hard for both teams to win all the remaining games, but the way we played today is the way we need to keep playing for the rest of the season."

KDB: 'I thought we were excellent today'

Kevin De Bruyne's reaction:

"It was hard but to be fair we played excellent.

"We should have scored more and it is what it is.

"I think we had the upper hand and we keep going.

"I think it was great game and we created enough to win the game."

Level best

A win would have been huge but we'll take a draw.

Our title destiny is still in our hands - and we would take huge confidence from the way we played especially in that first 45 minutes.

As you were

We end the day as we began it.

City still top of the table by a point from Liverpool.

Wow. Don't know about you know but I need a sit down after all that.

Pulsating match full of quality.

Four minutes of injury time

Hold onto your hats folks

So close

City build the ball and Rodri drills in a low cross but Liverpool just clear their lines.

Flashpoint

Thiago seems to lash out at De Bruyne but Ref Taylor had already blown for a City foul.

Probably just as well for the Liverpool man

Close

De Bruyne whips in an inviting free kick but the ball just evades the onrushing Rodri

Arghh

Brilliant work by Mahrez and De Bruyne almost fashions an opening for City.

KDB tries to pull back to the Algerian in the centre of the box but Matip is there to clear

Arghh

City break again through De Bruyne and Sterling.

The England races into the box but van Dijk shuts the door with some neat defending.

Take heart

Frustrating yes but that should galvanise us all the more.

We have demonstrated again that the Liverpool defence can be got at

Press to play

Bernardo presses down the left flank and turns in the box looking for support.

City build gain patiently but we can't fashion an opening and Liverpool clear.

Just waiting for a speak of inspiration again here

Middle march

Bernardo has started the second half playing a little deeper in midfield.

Now Alisson has come to haring out of the box to head a long ball clear.

City just looking to refocus and go again

Leveller

A real sucker punch.

Salah threads a fine ball through the centre of our defence it finds the onrushing Mane and he beats the onrushing Ederson.

As you were...

No changes from either side at the break

Back underway...

We are back in action at the Etihad.

COME ON, CITY!!

More goals to come?

Given the quality on display there are more goals in this game you do feel.

A third for City would be huge. Let's hope we can maintain that momentum.

James: 'Jesus's strike was superb'

David James on Gab J's strike:

"I don’t like early goals, especially very early goals as nobody is in a rhythm. There was a lull but it didn’t last long.

"The goal itself was superb. City can hurt teams just by controlling the game and frustrating the opposition. The place started rocking again! "

Peak Eddy!!

So far, so good!

Goater: City moving the ball so well

Shaun Goater's half time verdict:

"I certainly have enjoyed it! The level of both teams and also the quality. This is why the game is so on edge. City are moving the ball but Liverpool can make the chances from a few passes."
 

James: 'What a 45 minutes!'

David James' half-time verdict:

"Wow! What a 45 minutes. I mean, just wow. It’s been end to end. Some fantastic skills, goals, goals disallowed, we’ve had 90 minutes of football in 45 there."
 

What a half!!

How are your nerves Blues?

Blimey that had everything - and the key takeaway is that we go in 2-1 to the good.

So much to admire about our play.

Jesus has been outstanding.

What a tackle!!

Aymeric Laporte take a bow.

Big block from the City man there as Jota races through on goal.

The City man slid in and got his timing spot on.

Any mistake could have been fatal there!

Close

Another superb City break and a raking Foden cross ball is a fraction away from finding Sterling.

City causing havoc whenever we attack.

Solid Silva

Bernardo pops up in the City box to make a key clearance as the ball almost reaches Matip.

Let's try and retain that lead going into the break!

What a strike

It's given!

The Brazilian times his run to perfection as he races on the right side of the box to meet a superb long ball.

There was still work to be done but he kept his composure and finished superbly past Alisson.

City deserve to be ahead.

Walk this way

Great work from Walker as he snuffs out a Robertson cross as Liverpool break at speed.

Henderson then overcooks a through ball as City look to clear our lines

A reminder of the visitors' threat on the break.

Argh

Phil Foden does superbly on the left flank to twist and turn before finding the space to pitch in a superb cross.

However Kyle Walker and Jesus get in each other's way and the chance comes to nothing

Close

Now its close at the other end as a City free kick sees Rodri racing in unopposed from the left edge of the box but his header goes wide much to Liverpool's relief.

Can't take your eyes off this for a second.

Blimey...

OMG That was insane!

Walker feeds a ball back to Ederson on the goal line, the City keeper feigns to pass and the ball almost rolls over the line for a Liverpool goal before he clears with Jota haring down on him .

Not good for the blood pressure!

Argh

So close as Sterling shapes to shoot on goal from 16 yards.

Rodrigo had won the ball back on the edge of the Liverpool box and as Raheem prepared to shoot the ball was nicked off his toes by Matip

Almost

City build down the right flank once more.

Walker sees Foden making a fine run in the centre of the box and it takes a key van Dijk stop to force our first corner and deny Walker's teasing ball reaching Foden.

Level pegging

Time to regroup and press again.

A frantic first 15 minutes and it's as you were.

Sucker punch

It was their first meaningful attack.

City had the chance to clear before Robertson fed the ball in from the left with an inviting cross, Alexandre Arnold was clear at the back and passed back to Jota who fired home from 8 yards.

The running men

The City players are so full of energy and belief. They are harrying and pressing Liverpool at every opportunity.

Liverpool looking to build a period of possession and pressure for the first time.

The Etihad fans also playing their part. Great atmosphere

Penalty appeal

Now Jesus gets in between Alisson and van Dijk and is sent flying.

He and City want a penalty but ref Taylor is unmoved.

Liverpool look rattled here.

Flying start

City have started so well and we probably should be 2-0 up given that Raheem chance.

Big game hunter

Another big game goal from KDB.

What an impact he is having at this crucial stage of the season

Get in

Just what we wanted!

From a quick free-kick, De Bruyne wriggles past two Liverpool before letting fly outside the box.

The ball catches Matip and goes in off the right hand post.

Brilliant start!!!

Blimey

A bit of a scare there as Jota closes down Laporte in our box before we clear the ball.

Ouch

Now van Dijk welcomes Gabriel Jesus with a shove in the back as Liverpool press high.

No quarter given this afternoon from either side.

Not this time

Bernardo latches onto a Kyle Walker throw in in the Liverpool box but ref Anthony Taylor adjudges he handled the ball.

The Etihad expects

Early cheers as a long kick from Alisson goes straight out of play.

Huge sense of anticipation around the ground.

KICK-OFF

We are underway at the Etihad.

Huge encounter - COME ON, CITY!!

Sing it loud

Amazing atmosphere as the teams stride out onto the pitch.

The two best teams in the country going head to head for the title.

Do Sundays get any better?

Almost time

Teams in the tunnel, we're almost set.

Get set folks, it's going to be special!

Prediction times...

David James: I wouldn’t mind a 1-0 City win. The result is the most important thing!

Shaun Goater: I think 3-1 City - Control is the main thing and killing it off!
 

Nerve jangler

How's the pre-match mood folks?

Not long to wait now - must admit the nerves and expectation are kicking in now!

Quick reminder of how we line up today...

James: 'We have four full-backs who play so differently'

David James on the key role of the full-backs:

"We have four full-backs that play so differently. Trent can defend, I hear this regularly that he can’t defend, but he can. His offensive qualities are so good, he can do whatever you want him to do.

"Then you look at Cancelo. He has had the most shots of any City player this season. Games like this are where I’m saying if you shoot then you better score. The quality that he has got is beyond shooting. This guy is amazing because he goes all over the field.

"Then you have Robbo and Walker on the other side, I just want them to have a race at one point in the game. This is so good!"
 

Stat attack (part four)

Substitutes have scored eight Premier League goals for Liverpool this season, a total exceeded only by Manchester United (10 goals).

Mohamed Salah is vying to score in a fourth consecutive Premier League appearance against Manchester City - the last player to achieve this was Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who did so in five successive games between 2000 and 2003.

James: 'Ederson and Alisson are two of the very best'

David James on Ederson v Alisson:

"They’re two of the best. I love them both. I’m fortunate enough to have interviewed them both, they’re both very good people and friends too. Alisson told me they’re very good friends.

"They both play with each other with Brazil too. They’re exceptional. Ederson hasn’t had to do as much in recent weeks, Alisson has been called upon.

"From a City perspective that’s a good thing because it means Liverpool are getting exposed more. I love them both!"
 

Kolo's excited!...

'This is the game that shapes the season'

Goater: 'I can't speak highly enough of how gets his teams to play'

Shaun Goater on the philosophy and input of Pep Guardiola:

"My level of knowledge is going up to another level working with the Academy and how they coach them, the level of information they’re given.

"I thought I knew a lot about the game, now I’ve been at the Academy, I can’t speak highly enough of how Pep seeks his teams to play."
 

Think we all are Warren!

Stat attack (part three)

Liverpool are winless in four Premier League games against Manchester City (D2, L2).

The Merseysiders have not kept a clean sheet in any of their past 11 league matches at Etihad Stadium.

This will be the 23rd competitive game between sides managed by Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola. Each man has recorded eight victories, with six draws (including fixtures settled by a penalty shootout).

The key role of City and Liverpool's full-backs

Goater: 'Liverpool's frontline a threat'

 Shaun Goater on Liverpool's attacking threat:

"Their frontline has pace and goals. You have to respect Liverpool’s frontline.

"They tend to end up in a diamond shape, Jota then arrives late and gets those goals.

"The City defence and the Liverpool attack makes it so exciting!"
 

Team-sheets!

Dressed for the occasion...

James: 'Kyle Walker's pace is key'

David James on the return of Kyle Walker after suspension:

"Walker is one of my favourite defenders, he gets City out of a lot of trouble with his pace.

"There’s no other winger I can think of that can keep up with his pace. 

"We all know Cancelo is going to get forward on the other side with shots and assist. I’m also glad Stones is in!"

Corrigan on Ederson v Alisson

Goater: 'Jesus can provide pace in behind'

Shaun Goater on the inclusion of Gabriel Jesus in City's starting eleven:

"The thinking there is pace in behind. Liverpool love to press but we have a goalkeeper that is a quarterback and is better than anyone at passing.

"We can look at Ederson putting them passes through for Jesus and Sterling. When I see our frontline, that is what I see."
 

James: 'Pep's going for it!'

It's fair to say that David James is excited by City's line up this afternoon!

"Pep’s going for it! Any line-up for City is going to be strong enough. In this case we have Sterlng there, Foden and Jesus.

"If there was ever a question about if Pep wants to win this game or draw, this line-up answers it."

Team news and tactics...

And here's how Liverpool line up...

Here's how we line up today...

CITY XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Cancelo, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Sterling, Jesus, Foden

Substitutes: Steffen, Aké, Gündogan, Grealish, Zinchenko, Fernandinho, Mahrez, McAtee, Lavia

James: The biggest game anywhere right now

David James: "Is this the biggest game in world football right now? Yes - quite simply yes.

"This is a match that EVERYONE is talking about."

High fives

Snap happy!!

Pre-match vibes

Pep: 'The challenge of Liverpool has made us better'

Pep Guardiola described at Friday's pre-match press conference how the challenge of a resurgent Liverpool had helped inspire City to seek to constantly improve over the past few years:

“Absolutely,” the City boss said when asked if the challenge of Liverpool had made his side better.

“When you achieve 100 points and after 98 points, you need someone to push you from behind to make you realise they are there and they are close.

“You have to make another step, that’s for sure. I don’t know what Liverpool is going to do but knowing the club and our chairman and CEO we want to grow and I am pretty sure we want to be there more years.

“I am pretty sure Liverpool and other teams are going to try and do it [as well].

“[For] both teams the most credit I give is the consistency through the years for many years. It is not winning one Premier League.

“It has been five years every three days. That is what I am proud of most.”

Kolo Toure's big match preview

Stat attack (part two)

Phil Foden has scored in each of his past three appearances against Liverpool - the only player to net in four successive top-flight games against the Anfield side is Jamie Vardy, who did so in five consecutive fixtures between 2016 and 2017.

Riyad Mahrez is aiming to become only the third City player to score in six consecutive Premier League home games, after Uwe Rosler in 1994 and Alvaro Negredo in 2013.

'An electric occasion'

Tunes of glory

Pump up the volume

Early team news

Today’s line-ups will be released in just over 30 minutes time, but we do already have an idea of who is and isn’t available after the managers’ media briefings earlier this week.

Pep Guardiola confirmed at his pre match press conference on Friday that, bar central defender Ruben Dias and young attacking midfielder Cole Palmer, City have a fully fit squad to select from.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp meanwhile confirmed that Fabinho will be fit despite suffering a cut in a clash of heads with Benfica's Nicolas Otamendi in Tuesday’s Champions League clash.

Decent day for it!!

Pep: 'I am learning all the time'

As always, Pep Guardiola was fascinating to listen to at Friday's pre-match press conference as he revealed how he was constantly learning and evolving as a manager.

“What I see there are many things, I am close (to Jurgen),” said Pep.

“We are quite similar in many things, but in the final third they are more ‘wow’ for the quality of player they have, but I learn a lot not just from Jurgen, but also from every manager I see in the Premier League.

“I’m curious to see the opponent what they do.

“This is the reason why I am a manager, to discover the shape they are going to play, and see how we can control them and do it, it's the only reason why I’m here sitting in front of you - the only one.

“It’s too much work and stress sometimes and you see the players are sad because they don’t play when they deserve to and you feel it’s your responsibility, that’s not good I don’t like it but of course I learn many things.

“That’s why I feel a better manager now than when I started."

Stat attack (part one)

Manchester City have won eight of our past nine home league matches, with the exception being a 3-2 defeat by Tottenham on 19 February.

We have also conceded a league-low one headed goal in the Premier League this season.

Pep Guardiola's side have kept 18 top-flight clean sheets in the current campaign, a figure matched only by Liverpool.

Magic memories

It would be the perfect present!

A very happy birthday to this legend!

Get involved 📱

As always we are keen to get your thoughts and insights ahead of today’s game.

Of course, when you throw the emotional backdrop of a Manchester derby into the mix and what the game means to the fans it only further whets the appetite.

So, what are you expecting from today’s game? What team would you pick?

Let us know your thoughts using #ManCity on Twitter and, don’t forget, you can ask a question to our Matchday Live panel by messaging +447537186538 on WhatsApp. 

Audience participation is very much encouraged!

Talk about a blockbuster...

It’s City v Liverpool!!

Good afternoon!

And a very warm welcome to the Matchday Centre for Manchester City’s eagerly anticipated Premier League clash at home to Liverpool.

I think it’s fair to say this is the one we’ve all be waiting for.

It’s top versus second with just a point separating City from our Anfield visitors.

It’s also the meeting between England’s champions in each of the past four seasons and with just eight games of the season remaining many pundits have tagged today’s match as a potential title decider.

With several tough encounters lying in store for both, there could yet be more twists and turns of course.

But what isn’t in doubt is that this is the game that has captured the attention of just about everyone.

The match kicks-off at 16:30 (UK) and you are in the right place to follow all the action, as I’ll be providing live updates throughout the build-up, match action and post-match reaction.

Stay tuned for a sky-blue tinted take on proceedings!