06 February 2024 , 19:26
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The Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City will kick off at the unusual time of 3.45pm as per a request from police and safety groups.
Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola's side are separated by just two points at the top of the table, with the match on March 10 likely to go a long way to deciding the destination of the title. And it isn't the first time the two north west clubs will face-off with plenty on the line after intense battles in a number of competitions.
Ever since Klopp and Guardiola took charge of their respective teams, the two have gone head-to-head for the game's biggest prizes in a string of memorable encounters. Unfortunately, these matches have also seen disorder including damage to buses and inappropriate chants.
Originally, the match was scheduled for a 4.30pm kick-off as it was chosen by Sky Sports as their main game of the day. However, according to Manchester Evening New s at the request of Merseyside Police and the safety advisory group, the game will now start at 3.45pm.
They hope this will help the event run more smoothly. Earlier in the season, the Manchester derby was moved forward to 3.30pm for similar reasons. The reverse fixture will also kick off at the same a week before City's trip to Anfield.
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Guardiola is keen to turn around his team's poor track record at the stadium. His only win there with City was in 2021 when no fans were present, and last season his behaviour towards the crowd only fuelled an atmosphere that saw another Liverpool triumph.
Back in October 2022, the City boss took offence at several decisions which went against his side, quipping "This is Anfield," when asked about a Phil Foden goal being disallowed.
Ultimately Liverpool ran out 1-0 winners, with the visiting manager also hit subject to coins being thrown at him. On that, he added: “Next time they will do it better. They didn’t get me. They tried but didn’t get me. They got it at the [team] coach years ago [before a Champions League tie] but not this time.”
Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp clashed during a match between the two sides in 2022 (Getty Images)That was in reference to a tie in the Champions League quarter-final when the City coach was pelted with missiles as it made its way to Anfield. The champions have also been forced to issue apologies over chants referring to the Hillsborough and Heysel disasters.
Guardiola said in 2022: “If it’s happened I’m so sorry – it doesn’t represent what we are as a team and a club. But don’t worry, we can behave perfectly [from] our mistakes. Not a problem.”
City then issued another apology after the return match at the Etihad after similar chants were heard. " Manchester City FC are disappointed to have heard inappropriate chants from home fans during today's game," a statement from the club read.
"We regret any offence these chants may have caused and will continue to work with supporters groups and officials from both clubs to eradicate hateful chanting from this fixture."