Toxicity and uncertainty await Man City – will their season even matter?

Manchester City face an intensely hostile atmosphere at Anfield against Liverpool in their first match following a guilty verdict for breaching Premier League financial rules. Head coach Enzo Maresca takes his league leaders into the fixture while appealing the ruling, which found the club guilty of charges relating to the period between 2009-10 and 2017-18.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty argues that looming penalties, including potential relegation or points deductions, cast doubt over whether City's season will carry meaning. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola highlighted the widespread uncertainty surrounding the case, while police prepare security plans given past unrest between the rival fanbases.