Some Liverpool games feel different days before kick-off.
Manchester City’s visit to Anfield on Sunday is one of them.
This is already a huge Premier League fixture between two clubs who have pushed each other to extraordinary levels. But following Manchester City’s verdict for serious financial rule breaches, the occasion carries an added edge.
Liverpool legend John Aldridge knows exactly what Anfield can become when the supporters and players are fully engaged.
His message is simple:
Liverpool need to turn it on.
The players, the supporters and everyone inside the stadium.
This is what Anfield is made for
Aldridge understands that Anfield can become something different on the biggest nights.
It is not just about volume. It is the anticipation before kick-off, the reaction to every tackle and attack, and the pressure created whenever the opposition makes a mistake.
When the Kop gets going, it can become incredibly difficult for visiting teams to settle.
That is what Liverpool need on Sunday.
City arrive as league leaders and remain unbeaten, so nobody should underestimate the challenge.
But Liverpool have something City cannot control:
The atmosphere.
The fans have every right to make themselves heard
Liverpool supporters are understandably angry following the Premier League’s verdict against Manchester City. The club has appealed, and the legal process continues, but this will be City’s first visit to Anfield since the ruling.
Gary Neville has already predicted an extraordinary atmosphere, describing what he expects to be a potentially “brutal” day for City.
Aldridge knows the rivalry better than most. He played for Liverpool, supported Liverpool and understands what it means to walk out at Anfield for a massive game.
The supporters will be ready.
But the atmosphere cannot win the match on its own. The players must give the crowd something to feed off.
That’s where Iraola’s team come in
Liverpool have improved defensively under Andoni Iraola. The back four looks more settled, Jérémy Jacquet has grown in confidence, Virgil van Dijk continues to lead the defence, Ronald Araújo has looked increasingly comfortable and Alisson remains capable of producing match-changing moments.
Against Manchester City, though, Liverpool will need more than defensive solidity.
They must be brave, press with purpose and attack whenever they win the ball back.
This is not the game to be timid.
Imagine the first 20 minutes
Liverpool come flying out.
The crowd are on top of City from the first whistle. A big tackle brings a huge roar. A Liverpool attack nearly produces a goal. The Kop gets louder. City make a mistake, Liverpool win a corner and the noise rises again.
That is how an atmosphere becomes overwhelming.
But the players have to start it. They must show the supporters that they are ready for the fight.
If they do, Anfield can take care of the rest.
This could be one of those days
Liverpool and Manchester City have produced title deciders, spectacular goals and matches in which one side played brilliantly but still failed to get what it deserved.
There have also been games when Anfield seemed to drag Liverpool over the line.
That is what makes Sunday so fascinating.
Liverpool are facing the team at the top of the Premier League, and they are not expected to simply roll City over.
But football is not played on paper.
And this is Anfield.
Aldridge knows what Liverpool need
That is why Aldridge’s message matters.
He is not speaking only to the supporters. He is challenging the whole club.
Turn it on.
Make the occasion mean something. Give the crowd something to believe in, then see what happens.
When Anfield is loud, aggressive and united, Liverpool can become a completely different proposition. If Iraola’s team match that intensity on the pitch, City could be in for a very uncomfortable afternoon.
Let’s make Anfield count
There is always an extra edge to Liverpool against Manchester City: the history, the title races and the rivalry.
This time, City are also returning to Anfield for the first time since the ruling.
Liverpool supporters should not spend the afternoon worrying about what City might do. They should focus on what Liverpool can do.
Get behind the team.
Make the noise.
Let City know exactly what sort of afternoon awaits them.
Then let the players do their job.
John Aldridge is right.
This is a game where Liverpool need to turn it on.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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