According to The Sun, officers are concerned that Liverpool supporters could target Manchester City’s team bus as it arrives at the stadium.
Reports suggest that social media posts have encouraged fans to gather outside Anfield several hours before kick-off to welcome City’s bus. The posts reportedly urge supporters to bring flags, banners, flares, pyrotechnics and beer.
Manchester City’s team bus has faced similar incidents in the past.
The most serious occurred in 2018, before the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool, when the bus was struck by bottles and bricks, suffering significant damage and becoming unfit to transport the team back to Manchester.
No arrests were made at the time. Similar incidents were also reported in 2014 and 2022.
Police have confirmed they are aware of the social media posts and say appropriate security measures will be in place for Sunday’s match.
In 2024, City’s bus reached Anfield safely after police provided an escort and the route was changed.
Liverpool have also told the BBC that preparations are continuing as normal.
The club says it works with supporters and law enforcement ahead of every home fixture, with Sunday’s match following the same procedure.
The encounter comes amid renewed attention on Manchester City’s ongoing financial rules case.
An independent commission previously found the club guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations, a decision City subsequently appealed.