FA Premiership
Sun 22nd February 2009 @ 3pm
Anfield
Two weeks of boredom, and hopefully valuable R & R for some of the reds casualties and injury-returnees, ends on Sunday at 3pm when moneybags Man City arrive at Anfield. Liverpool commence a very important and busy phase of their season with two games a week for the foreseeable future, including mouth-watering clashes against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Manchester United have now played their game in hand and the reds sit 5 points behind the league leaders. Maintaining momentum and keeping up the pressure is vital for Liverpool against a Man City team that blow hot and cold on a week by week basis.
Steven Gerrard is slowly returning to fitness but is highly unlikely to feature in this Man City game, and Xabi Alonso is suspended after collecting one too many yellow cards. Leiva has now served his suspension and can be considered by Benitez for inclusion. With only Mascherano of the holy midfield trinity available, the reds may elect to use either Benayoun or Kuyt to play off Fernando Torres up front.
Although after the Portsmouth formation all bets are off as to what team will be exhibited at Anfield. Emiliano Insua’s return means Benitez also has the option of once again utilising Aurelio in central midfield.
History
This season’s reverse fixture was, without a doubt, a thriller. One of those important red comebacks, turning a half time 2-0 deficit in to a 3-2 victory.
In 77 Anfield clashes, the reds have ran out winners on 47 occasions with the blues taking 14 victories away. Man City’s last victory at Anfield was 6 seasons ago, when Nicolas Anelka came back to cause some damage in a 2-1 defeat for the reds.
Since then the reds have had 5 home wins on the spin, with the last 3 all being 1-0 wins.
Betting
If you’re a City fan the bookies are being generous to you in our opinion
Liverpool 4/7
Draw 11/4
Man City 6/1
Paddy Power are offering an impressive free £20 bet when you place a £10 bet. Sign up here.
TV
The game is not being broadcast live in the UK. Links and more details in the forum.
Opposition Links
Blue Moon – Man City Forum
Man City Football Shirts
Pre Match Man City Discussion
