Liverpool v Man City LIVE: Reaction and build-up as City return to action for first time since guilty verdict

As two rivals meet in a fitting fixture to mark the league’s return after a seismic moment, Miguel Delaney explains why it will set the tone for what could prove a season of chaos:

The Reds fans have already been preparing to welcome City’s squad with animosity and Enzo Maresca will have a tricky task on his hand to keep the focus on the match. The City manager defiantly insisted he has ‘complete trust’ in the club, who have launched an appeal against the verdict.

City come into the match with five wins from five and sit top of the table. Liverpool are six points behind them and can close the gap with victory this afternoon.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of Manchester City’s first Premier League game since they were found guilty of all charges of breaking the league’s financial rules.

They travel to Anfield this afternoon, where they will surely face a hostile reception after the independent commission handed down its seismic verdict earlier this month.

We’ll have all the build-up to the game and reaction to the verdict right here.