Why is Manchester City vs Liverpool at 12:30pm on Saturday? Many have asked on Google ahead of the Premier League clash.
Pep Guardiola welcomes Jürgen Klopp to the Etihad Stadium in what will be the pair’s first meeting of the 2023/24 campaign, albeit at a time when the weekend’s showpiece event normally does not take place.
So, why is Manchester City vs Liverpool at 12:30pm on Saturday? Let’s take a look…
Why Manchester City vs Liverpool is at 12:30pm on Saturday
Well, there are two reasons for this unusual kick-off time.
Firstly, Manchester City have a UEFA Champions League clash against RB Leipzig on Tuesday.
The Premier League’s showpiece event would usually take place at 4:30pm on a Sunday, although that would not give Guardiola’s side enough time to prepare for the clash against the Bundesliga outfit.
Secondly, policing comes into the equation.
According to The Athletic, there was initially hope that Manchester City vs Liverpool could commence at 5:30pm, although stakeholders, including the police, pushed for it to be played at 12:30pm.
It is unfortunate that such a significant clash cannot take place in one of the prime slots, although this Saturday’s early kick-off should still be a sight to behold based on how both sides have started the 2023/24 campaign.
Manchester City currently sit top of the Premier League with 28 points from 12 games so far, whereas Liverpool are just a point behind in second place.
Unfortunately, Guardiola – who was warned by Danny Murphy about pushing a central defender into midfield against Liverpool – could be without Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian missed Norway’s 3-3 draw against Scotland on Sunday with a foot injury.
The Spaniard may also be missing John Stones, who recently suffered a setback after returning from a thigh injury.
Be sure to keep an eye on those situations, as the presence of Haaland and Stones could be the difference between winning and losing for Manchester City.
