England

Premier League Preview: Liverpool - Manchester City

EPL resumes with intriguing Kop clash...

20-Nov-2009 9:23:30 PM

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Steven Gerrard - Liverpool (PA)

Teams

Kick-off: Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 12:45 BST
Anfield, Merseyside

The first Premier League match of the weekend also happens to be one of the biggest, as Liverpool look to revive their season when they take on top four chasing Manchester City.

The Reds' 2-2 draw with Birmingham City last time out stretched their horror run to one win in nine games. With five league losses already, it would appear that their title race is all but run.

Although Rafael Benitez and his loyal charges have insisted that silverware is still well within their grasp, a top-four finish seems a more realistic target - particularly with the way things are in the Champions League.

Even that relatively humble goal is fraught with obstacles. One of which the 18-time English champions will welcome to Anfield on Saturday lunchtime.

City themselves have a point to prove after a summer of significant investment. Now is the time to show their cash-fuelled rise is no joke and they can mix it with the biggest clubs around.

The Blues currently sit in sixth place - one point ahead of their upcoming opponents. The 3-3 draw with Burnley last time out was their fifth consecutive stalemate in the league and left them further adrift from the leading pack

Thus, the international break could hardly have been timed better for either side. They will both be looking for a result that could save their season.

FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Nov 9   Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham City
Nov 4   Olympique Lyonnais 1-1 Liverpool
Oct 31 Fulham 3-1 Liverpool
Oct 28 Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
Oct 25 Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United

Manchester City

Nov 7   Manchester City 3-3 Burnley
Nov 1   Birmingham City 0-0 Manchester City
Oct 28 Manchester City 5-1 Scunthorpe United
Oct 25 Manchester City 2-2 Fulham
Oct 18 Wigan Athletic 1-1 Manchester City

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Steven Gerrard didn't join up with the England squad for the glamour game against Brazil and the skipper is fit to start after battling a recurring groin problem. Fernando Torres, however, is all but sure to miss out, along with Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera.

But there is more good news for manager Benitez, as centre-half Jamie Carragher is available once more after serving a ban for his red card at Fulham.

Alberto Aquilani is an outside chance to make his first start for the club, while defensive duo Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger - who both stayed home over the international break - are expected to play.

Possible starting XI: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Mascherano, Lucas, Aurelio, Gerrard, Ngog.

Manchester City

Gareth Barry sustained a groin injury whilst serving his country in Qatar, but the former Aston Villa captain is in line to face the club that coveted him for so long.

Craig Bellamy - who spent a season at Anfield - finds himself in a similar situation, although he missed Wales' 3-0 win over Scotland.

Nedum Onuoha (thigh) could be fit enough to make the matchday squad, and there are reports that Robinho (ankle) is all set to make his return - although other sources suggest the Brazilian is still a short while off.

Possible starting XI: Given, Zabaleta, Lescott, Toure, Bridge, Wright-Phillips, Barry, De Jong, Bellamy, Tevez, Adebayor.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Glen Johnson

The England full back has been shining light in an otherwise gloomy campaign, bringing a new dimension with his adventurous play from the right flank. He can be exposed behind, however, and will need to be vigilant given the visitor's quality in attack.

Manchester City - Gareth Barry

Reds boss Benitez admitted recently that this man was the lynchpin to a plan that will now never be put into place. The midfielder has copped some flak for a perceived lapse in his passing game, but he would no doubt love to show Tom Hicks and George Gillett that he'd have been money well spent.

PREDICTION

Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City

Mick Maguire, Goal.com UK

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