Manchester City vs Liverpool FA Cup Quarter-Final: Comprehensive Viewing Guide and Match Preview
The FA Cup quarter-finals deliver a blockbuster encounter as Manchester City host Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 4 April 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 12:45pm BST. This mouthwatering clash pits two Premier League giants against each other at a pivotal stage of the season, with both teams pursuing silverware on multiple fronts.
Broadcast Information and Streaming Details
Football fans across the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1. Additionally, the broadcaster's new streaming platform, HBO Max, will provide live coverage, having replaced Discovery+ as the primary streaming home for TNT Sports content. Existing subscribers to TNT Sports channels can seamlessly log in to HBO Max using their current account details to access the live stream.
Team News and Injury Updates
Manchester City will be without the injured defender Josko Gvardiol for this crucial fixture. John Stones and Ruben Dias are set to undergo late fitness assessments ahead of the game. Marc Guehi, who was ineligible for the Carabao Cup final, is available and expected to start in defence. In goal, James Trafford is likely to be favoured over Gianluigi Donnarumma, continuing the selection preference demonstrated during the Carabao Cup final victory.
Liverpool face a significant setback with first-choice goalkeeper Alisson likely to be sidelined for several weeks due to a muscle problem. Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to replace him between the posts. In more positive news, striker Alexander Isak could make his first appearance since breaking his leg in December, while Mohamed Salah is fully fit and available for selection.
Possible Starting Line-Ups
Manchester City XI: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Bernardo, Rodri, O'Reilly; Semenyo, Haaland, Cherki
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Managerial Perspectives and Key Quotes
Pep Guardiola welcomed another high-stakes encounter with Liverpool, acknowledging their status as formidable rivals. He stated, "For many times they have been the rival, the biggest, biggest one. This is a team making incredible investment last season to be there for many, many years, and is in Champions League, and it's a top contender, top-class players." Guardiola also emphasized the opportunity to achieve an unprecedented milestone, adding, "We have the chance to reach an incredible milestone of eight semi-finals in a row, which has never been done." The Manchester City manager paid tribute to Mohamed Salah, noting, "It is a good moment to say goodbye in this country tomorrow. He deserves incredible, incredible recognition for what he has given to world football and especially in this country."
Arne Slot expressed hope for third time lucky against Manchester City after suffering two defeats to them in the Premier League this season. The Liverpool head coach remarked on Friday, "I think we have felt this season multiple times how important it is to get a lead, we have struggled with that. It's much easier than being 1 or 2-0 down. Scoring goals is vital, so I am happy Alex [Isak] is back." Slot also highlighted the importance of fan support, saying, "We have more fans than normal because it is FA Cup and I wouldn't be surprised if we're louder than them!" Reflecting on previous encounters, he added, "We have proven that we have quality and are a good team. We played much better against Man City at home, we didn't deserve to lose. A refereeing decision in that game didn't go in our favour for a red card on Mo Salah. Now we have to show the progress in an away game. It is tougher away from home."
Season Context and Stakes
Manchester City enter this match buoyed by their Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal before the international break, positioning themselves for a potential domestic treble this season. Guardiola's side also continues to challenge Premier League leaders Arsenal in the title race, with the possibility of another meeting should both teams progress in the FA Cup.
Liverpool, meanwhile, seek revenge after two defeats to City this season, including a dramatic 2-1 loss at Anfield. Mohamed Salah begins his farewell tour with a final meeting against Pep Guardiola's side, with his hopes for a final trophy resting on the FA Cup and the Champions League, where Liverpool face holders Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals this month. The pressure remains on head coach Arne Slot ahead of a decisive month that will shape Liverpool's season and potentially determine his future at the club.
