Liverpool travel to Manchester to face Manchester City Today at the Etihad Stadium, looking to consolidate their position at the top.
The task is easier said than done. Not just because Man City are one of the title contenders. But, their home form this season, should striker fear to any team in the league. Eight matches played, eight victories, 35 goals scored. They humiliated teams like Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal at their own turf and getting a point from the Etihad is a massive task.
The Reds on the other hand have Luis Suarez. And all hopes rest on him. The Uruguayan has been in majestic form, scoring 19 goals in 12 games already and with him, Liverpool fans believe that anything is possible. Further, Brendan Rodgers’ men can take immense confidence from their last away trip, where they earned an emphatic 5-0 win over Spurs.
Liverpool have no new injuries this week, but are still without captain Steven Gerrard, left-back Jose Enrique and their second highest goal-scorer this season, Daniel Sturridge. Liverpool FC have coped excellently in the absence of these three first teamers.
Young Jon Flanagan (who turns 21 on New Years Day next week) has put in some stellar performances at left-back (despite being a right-back by trade). He even managed to get on the score-sheet against Tottenham. Jordan Henderson has been moved to a more central role since Stevie’s injury, while Suarez has been prolific as a lone-striker
Liverpool FC Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-3): Mignolet (GK); Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Flanagan; Lucas, Allen, Henderson; Sterling, Suarez, Coutinho
Man City have a fairly long injury list that includes forwards Sergio Aguero and Stevan Jovetic, as well as defenders Pablo Zabaleta, Micah Richards and Matija Nastasic. While Aguero is definitely the biggest loss, Pablo Zabaleta is a close second.
The right-back is the leading provider of assists (5) in the Manchester City line-up. The loss is exaggerated by the fact that the other option at right-back, Micah Richards, is also unavailable. That means Pellegrini can either slot in midfielder James Milner (who scored after coming on as a substitute against Fulham) or left-back Gael Clichy.
Against Fulham, Pellegrini took the latter option, with Aleksandar Kolarov getting some much needed game time at left-back. Kolarov has been linked to a move away from the blue half of Manchester, though Pellegrini has been quick to dispel any notion of a January transfer for the Serbian.
Manchester City FC Probable Starting Line-up (4-2-3-1): Hart (GK); Clichy, Demichelis, Kompany, Kolarov; Toure, Fernandinho; Navas, Silva, Nasri; Negredo
MATCH FACTS:
*The Premier League’s top 4 goal-scorers all belong to these two teams: Luis Suarez (19), Sergio Aguero (13), Daniel Sturridge (9) and Yaya Toure (9).
*The last top-flight team to score as many goals as Man City (35) in their opening eight home games were Spurs in 1962-63.
*Six of the last nine Premier League matches between Liverpool and Manchester City have been draws (Two City wins, one Liverpool, all 3-0 at home).
STEVE MILNE”S PREDICTION:
Manchester City 1 – 3 Liverpool FC
At full strength, the smart money would be on Manchester City taking the spoils in this home fixture. But for a team that has been winning by outscoring their opposition, losing their star striker Sergio Aguero could prove a devastating blow.
Especially when you consider that the last thing a leaky defence wants to see is Luis Suarez leading the line for the opposition. Liverpool FC should edge what can be expected to be a very open match.
By Steve Milne – What are you predictions- Have your say below
