Liverpool vs Manchester City
Location :Anfield
Kick-off: 1600 BST
Referee: Mark Halsey
MATCH FACTS
Liverpool go into today’s match looking for the 5th home win in a row again a Manchester City side who its fair to say is in a little bit of turmoil. City’s only premiership triumph at Anfield came courtesy of Liverpool old boy Nicholas Anelka’s later double in 2003’s 2-1 win. Dietmar Hamann will be going up against his old club if selected, he made 283 appearances’ for the Reds in a 7 year stay.
SVEN ON LIVERPOOL
“It’s difficult to know how they are going to play or which team they will put out. They have been knocked out of the Champions League after two very tight games, but they can’t finish third or fifth in the league so it’s difficult to say how they might go.
“At the same time it’s their last home game so they will want to do everything they can for their own fans.
“It’s hard for them but they should have their heads high, they reached a semi final and they were two very close games. Liverpool were a bit unlucky in the home leg especially, so we will just have to see what they do, but it’s hard to know now who they will put out.
“But knowing Liverpool, they will be up for a fight against us whatever players they pick.”
Team News
There are fitness doubts over Fernando Torres and defender Martin Skrtel ahead of today’s clash.
Peter Crouch could come into the side in place of Torres but Fabio Aurelio, Daniel Agger and Harry Kewell are long-term absentees.
Richard Dunne is expected to return to the Manchester City defence for the trip following a hamstring injury.
Valeri Bojinov (knee) and Javier Garrido may also be considered, but Micah Richards is unlikely to be risked.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Torres, Kuyt, Crouch, Voronin, Itandje, Lucas, Pennant, Insua, Plessis
Man City (from): Hart, Elano, Corluka, Ball, Dunne, Jihai, Garrido, Vassell, Caicedo, Gelson, Johnson, Petrov, Ireland, Geovani, Benjani, Bojinov, Castillo, Logan, Isaksson.
One to Watch
Sven Goran Erikkson – The beleaguered former England supremo will likely be championed by the fans from minute one to minute 90 in protest to the ridiculous sacking he will receive from Thaksin Shinwatra. SOS – Save Our Sven.
Dangerman
Fernando Torres – The man is a goal machine, simple as that. Keeping him quiet is key if City at to get something from today’s game.
City vs. Chelsea
Chelsea are on course for a seventh Premier League double over Manchester City, and a third in successive seasons.
City were one of 8 clubs Chelsea did the double over last season and Chelsea were one of six the do the double over Manchester City.
City have only beaten Chelsea once in 19 Premiership encounters back in Jose Mourinho’s forst match in charge in 2004 at COMS thanks to current Chelsea frontman Nicolas Anelka’s goal.
LAST SEASON’S CORRESPONDING GAME
Liverpool 1-0 Manchester City
25 November 2006 – Ref: Rob Styles
Liverpool scorer: Gerrard 67
THIS SEASON’S REVERSE FIXTURE
Manchester City 0-0 Liverpool
30 December 2007 – Ref: Uriah Rennie
Prediction
Probably one of the most difficult matches I’ve ever had to make a prediction for. I have no idea about what’s going to happen. How will Liverpool cope after being ousted from European competition at the penultimate hurdle? Which City team will turn up? So I’m going to go for an enjoyable 1-1 draw in the sun.
Liverpool 1 – 1 City
