Premier League leaders Man City arrive at Anfield determined to maintain their unbeaten streak that sees them 4 points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand over their nearest challengers.
Andy Carroll opened his LFC account in this fixture last year
Last season at Anfield, Andy Carroll scored his first goals for the reds as Liverpool ran out 3-0 winners, the reds’ record signing scoring twice. This salvaged some pride for the reds who had earlier lost 3-0 to City away in an abject performance.
Man City have not won in their last 8 visits to Anfield, a record that includes 6 defeats and 2 draws. Man City are in fine form this season, although Liverpool have also slowly put together an unbeaten run of 7 Premier League games, and 9 unbeaten matches in all competitions. Liverpool beat Chelsea last weekend away, while Man City dispatched Newcastle United at home.
Man City have also beaten their local rivals United 6-1 away at Old Trafford in one of the shock results of the season so far.
Jamie Carragher is available for selection for Liverpool, although Steven Gerrard is not yet ready for a return. Craig Bellamy moved from Man City to Liverpool at the end of the transfer window and could be involved in the starting XI.
City have scored 42 league goals so far, whilst the reds have only 16 goals next to their name. However both clubs have only conceded 11 goals, the lowest in English league football.
With City having such a high number of attacking forward players, it will be vital for the reds to put in an assured defensive performance, but also to utilise the wings high up the pitch, to get behind Man City’s roaming wing backs.
As the mid week result in the Champions League proves, Man City can be beaten, although Liverpool will be hoping to be the first team to do that in the League this year.
Kenny Dalglish will also be mindful that the reds have an important League Cup Quarter Final, away at Stamford Bridge, 48 hours after this game finishes – and may have to choose his team with one eye on that fixture.
