Manchester City vs Liverpool, Premier League: What time is kick-off tonight, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?
What is it?
The new champions line up against the team they dethroned at the Etihad Stadium this evening as Liverpool face Manchester City in their first match since ending their 30-year Premier League title drought.
Jurgen Klopp's side have been celebrating since last Thursday when City's 2-1 loss at Chelsea meant Liverpool had wrapped up the title with seven games to go.
When is it?
It takes place this evening, so Thursday, July 2.
What time is kick off?
The match gets going in the new late kick-off slot of 8.15pm.
What TV channel is it on?
Live coverage is on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League channels with coverage starting at 8pm, following the conclusion of Sheffield United's contest with Tottenham.
Read more: How to watch Premier League free games
What is the team news?
With the title already in the bag, Klopp might decide to rotate his squad, giving fringe players and youngsters a chance they might not already have got.
However, it seems more likely that the German will want his side to show why they have been so much better than City this season, so it would be a surprise if all the big guns did not at least start.
Liverpool still want to better City's 2017-18 total of 100 points so it is not like they have nothing to play for.
City, meanwhile, will be without Leroy Sane. The winger is nearing a move to Bayern Munich in a deal worth up to £54.8 million.
Read more: When will Liverpool lift the trophy?
What are they saying?
Manchester City will give Liverpool a guard of honour when they take to the field tonight, an action which is sure to stir up emotions of envy as much as respect.
Bacary Sagna was part of the Arsenal team that had to give a guard of honour to Manchester United and their former captain, Robin van Persie, back in 2013. Many Arsenal fans turned their backs and while Sagna was pleased for his friend, he was also jealous.
"It probably felt special for him because when he left he was criticised by many people. We all felt the same in the team and we respected him.
“I was happy for him. He did a lot for our team. He was a top player and a top striker and he deserved it."
Trent Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, told Jamie Carragher in an exclusive column, that winning one title will not be enough for Liverpool.
“We want to go down as one of the best Liverpool teams in history. We know we are on a decent way down the track and there is a long way to go, but there is no reason why we cannot do that.
“These situations where you have a team which has the players for a five, maybe six year stint challenging for and pushing for the league and Champions League do not come around often. That does not seem realistic - maybe some teams will say it isn’t and you can’t expect to go for both competitions every year - but for us, that is the aim. We want to be in the Champions League final every year and make sure we are in the title race every April and May."
What are the odds?
Manchester City 10/11
Liverpool 12/5
Draw 11/4
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What is our prediction?
Manchester City will be hurting after losing their crown, while Liverpool will be desperate to pursue their ambition of reaching 100 points and more for the season. It will be a close affair. A draw looks most likely.
Verdict: Man City 1 Liverpool 1
