Liverpool vs Man City 4pm kick off decision explained for Sky Sports live Premier League clash

Manchester City's Premier League title defence hangs by a thread - which could be snapped on Sunday if they lose at Liverpool to fall 11 points behind Arne Slot's leaders.

City are on a six game winless run, ending a streak of five losses this week with a draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League - but from a position of strength at 3-0 they collapsed in the final 15 minutes to draw 3-3.

Next up is a trip to Anfield, where a win would cut the gap to Liverpool to five points and kickstart City's season. But defeat would see double figures between the two sides, and Pep Guardiola has said an 11 point gap would be too much to claw back and retain the title.

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Kick off at Anfield is 4pm, with the game being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK as part of a 'Super Sunday' which sees another Manchester vs Merseyside clash in Manchester United vs Everton earlier in the day.

Usually on those Super Sunday schedules, the first game is a 2pm kick off and the headline slot starts at 4.30pm. However, Liverpool vs City has been moved forward by 30 minutes.

It is understood the decision comes after a request from Merseyside Police in light of supporter trouble between City and Liverpool fans in recent meetings.

In 2018, City's team coach was attacked on the way into Anfield by Liverpool fans, while there have been other incidences of trouble and violence between the fanbases in subsequent meetings. Recent fixtures have seen both clubs issue public pleas for good behaviour before the games, however there will be no such appeals this time.

Last seasons' head-to-head meetings largely passed without incident and there is hope that that will continue on Sunday. And the police have tried to minimise the chances of any incidents by moving the game forward.

Liverpool fans have taken to social media to try and encourage a 'hostile' welcome for City's coach with flares and smoke grenades in order to 'make it as horrible as we can for City'.