LFC v MAN CITY PREVIEW
Anfield
Saturday, 21 August
Kick-off: 1500 BST
BIG-MATCH FACTS
- LIVERPOOL supporters get their first opportunity to welcome Rafael Benitez to Anfield's pitchside technical area. The Spaniard, who won the Primera Division in two of the three seasons he was coach of Valencia, has started with a 0-2 win over Graz AZ in the away leg of the Champions League Qualifier, and finished all square at 1-1 with Tottenham at White Hart Lane last weekend.
The Merseysiders are hunting a record 19th top division title and first in 15 seasons. They are aiming to extend their unbeaten Premiership sequence to seven matches.
The Merseysiders have won five of the last six corresponding fixtures, and have lost only one of the last 11 home and away tussles with City in League and Cup - a run that's included seven wins and three draws.
MANCHESTER CITY manager Kevin Keegan takes his troops to Anfield's hallowed turf, where he experienced the glory years of a distinguished playing career. It's the first of two away trips (City visit Birmingham on Tuesday) having also kicked off the League campaign with a 1-1 draw. Keegan's club seems to have started where they left off - unable to convert the domination of games into victories. They drew 14 times last season.
The Citizens were in their 14 match mid season slump when they met Liverpool, home and away last term. They drew 2-2 at the City of Manchester Stadium, thanks to a last gasp equaliser from Robbie Fowler, and then lost 2-1 at Anfield in February.
City's only victory in 15 League and Cup visits to Anfield spanning 24 years was 1-2 in the Premiership on 3 May 2003 - Nicolas Anelka scored both, one from the spot.
Referee:
Graham Poll (Tring)
SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM LIVERPOOL
This season: 11th 1 point
Last season: 4th 60 points
Won three and drawn three Premiership games since losing 0-1 at home to Charlton on 12 April. Kept clean sheets in four of the six.
MANCHESTER CITY
This season: 12th 1 point
Last season: 16th 41 points
Without an away Premiership victory in five. Drawn three and lost two on their top flight travels since winning 1-3 at Bolton on 21 February. Kept only seven clean sheets in the Premiership last season - only Leeds managed fewer.
KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES LIVERPOOL
Djibril CISSE bears the distinction of scoring the first goal in the 2004/05 Premiership season. If named in the 11, Harry KEWELL will be making his 50th start for Liverpool. If involved, John Arne RIISE will be making his 150th appearance for the Merseysiders.
MANCHESTER CITY
If they figure, David JAMES, Robbie FOWLER, Steve McMANAMAN and Nicolas ANELKA will be facing the club they once played for. ANELKA has scored three times in his last two appearances against City. (He did not play in the most recent clash at Anfield). Robbie FOWLER is a double short from 200 club career goals, following his acrobatic overhead kick against Fulham. If on the field at kick off, Jonathan MACKEN will be making his 200th club career start.
- When next named in the eleven, Paulo WANCHOPE will be making his 150th English League start.
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME:
Liverpool 2-1 Manchester City
11 February 2004 - Ref: Mike Riley
Liverpool scorers: Owen 3, Gerrard 51
Man City scorer: Wright-Phillips 50
HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
League: Liverpool 68 wins, Man City 36, Draws 32
Prem: Liverpool 6 wins, Man City 2, Draws 6
HEAD TO HEAD at Liverpool
League: Liverpool 41 wins, Man City 13, Draws 14
Prem: Liverpool 5 wins, Man City 1, Draws 1
<Back to News Index >
|
