What observers say
“Liverpool have progressed from 17 of their last 19 FA Cup quarter-final ties, although they lost 4-3 to Manchester United in their most recent in 2023-24,” noted a football analyst. This upcoming match on April 4, 2026, at the Etihad Stadium marks the seventh FA Cup tie between Liverpool and Manchester City, two teams with rich histories in this prestigious tournament.
As the teams prepare for this high-stakes encounter, Manchester City enters the match as the Opta supercomputer’s favorites, with a 51.1% chance of winning in regular time. City has been formidable in the FA Cup, having won each of their last 31 matches outside of semi-finals and finals since a surprising defeat to Wigan in the 2017-18 fifth round.
Liverpool, however, boasts a strong FA Cup pedigree, having last lifted the trophy in 2022 after defeating Chelsea on penalties. The Reds have not been eliminated from back-to-back FA Cup quarter-final appearances since the 1967-68 and 1969-70 seasons, underscoring their resilience in knockout competitions.
Key players will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this clash. Mohamed Salah has been in excellent form, scoring in each of his last three FA Cup appearances, including a notable performance against Manchester United in the previous quarter-final. This match will also mark Salah’s 25th and final game against City as a Liverpool player, adding an emotional layer to the encounter.
On the other side, Erling Haaland has also been a thorn in Liverpool’s side, having scored in each of his last three home games against them in all competitions. His ability to find the net could prove crucial for City as they aim to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Despite their recent struggles, Liverpool troubled their hosts early on with their high press in previous encounters but have often found it challenging to convert pressure into goals, as evidenced by their struggles against City’s goalkeeper, James Trafford. This tactical battle will be essential as both teams look to impose their style on the match.
City could achieve a historic feat by winning three successive meetings with Liverpool in all competitions for the first time since March 1937. As both teams gear up for this encounter, the stakes are high, and fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling contest.
With Liverpool’s impressive record in FA Cup quarter-finals and City’s current form, this match promises to be a captivating spectacle. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute injuries or changes to the line-ups, but both teams are expected to field their strongest squads.
