Skrtel relishing Liverpool's Manchester City battle

Aug 26, 2012 11:25:00 AM

The Reds defender insists that, rather than fear the champions' enviable attacking line-up, he is looking forward to testing himself against what they have to offer at Anfield

Martin Skrtel is excited by the prospect of facing Manchester City's star-studded attacking force ahead of Liverpool's clash with the Premier League champions on Sunday afternoon at Anfield.

The Slovakian centre-back wants to get the Reds off to a good start at home following a disappointing 3-0 defeat away to West Brom on opening day and is looking forward to battling the likes of Mario Balotelli, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko.

"[City's strikers] don't make me nervous," he declared to Liverpool's official website. "They are great players and you have to respect them and their quality.


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33/1	Martin Skrtel is 33/1 with William Hill to score the first goal in Liverpool v Manchester City

"But we believe in ourselves and we know we have quality of our own. Personally, I am always looking forward to playing against the players like the ones City have.

"It's always a tough challenge but I enjoy these games. You have to show that you are special if you are going to stop them and that's what I try to do in every game - and that's what I will do on Sunday."

Skrtel stressed that while a visit from the champions is always a big game, he and his team-mates must concentrate on their own game, particularly after their result at the Hawthorns.

"They were champions last season and they are one of the favourites this season but we are only focusing on ourselves," he continued.

"We've got our own targets and to achieve these we have to win games in the league, starting on Sunday.

"It will be a special day and it will be a great opportunity for us to show we are a better team than the one who played against West Brom."

The Slovakian is looking to build on last season's successful centre-back parternship with Daniel Agger, enthusing: "I really enjoy playing alongside Daniel. I think there is a good understanding between us and if we can carry on like this, I will be happy.

"But we've got more centre-backs in the squad. We have Jamie [Carragher] and Sebastian Coates as well, so whenever we play, I know we will be strong defensively."

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