Preview
Rodgers on the menu for City's Sunday roasting.
Manchester United's twenty-five year grip on the Premier League has made humiliating viewing for their resentful rivals. The abrasive clanging in Old Trafford's trophy cabinet deafened local adversaries, and Sir Alex Ferguson's self-righteous smirk moulded dreams of silverware into trophiless nightmares. But the arrival of David 'the record breaker' Moyes has loosened that grip, and his side's most fearsome foes have been invited to sink their teeth into a fruitful 2013/2014 campaign. Fifteen years worth of dust could soar out of Anfield's doors this May, but Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City will ensure that Brendan Rodgers' men do not walk to the title alone.
The Northern-Irishman has reintroduced the elegance and enthusiasm that once propelled the 18-time league champions to unceasing glory over forty years ago and armed with Europe's most carnivorous striking duo, the reds have been encouraged to implement Rodgers' attractive passing style with the assurance that the chances they create are likely to be put away. With 49 league goals between them this season, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez have ruthlessly outlined the 41-year-old's tactical brilliance.
(Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez have formed a deadly partnership this season)
Tactical brilliance has been rewarded with a brilliant month for Liverpool who saw three of their affiliates pick up Premier League awards for March this week. Brendan Rodgers collected the Barclay's Manager of the Month award whilst Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez shared the player's equivalent after netting ten goals between them.
The news wont please Manchester City fans however who were treated to a March full of magic courtesy of their Mediterranean magician David Silva. The Spaniard enchanted the league with hypnotizing performances against Hull City, Fulham, Manchester United and Arsenal which elevated his side into third position with two games to make up four points on their weekend competitors. Silva has insisted that he and his teammates will play to 'win' on Sunday, and his words echo those of his South American boss Manuel Pellegrini.
(David Silva guided the blues to an unbeaten league run in March)
The Chilean acknowledged that his side could afford a draw in Sunday's titanic tie, but asserted that his side would not go into the game with that dangerous mind set.
“Maybe I am wrong, but I always think in the same way as a manager – if you play to draw you will lose,” he told reporters.
“So we are going to play to win. Of course after the game if we couldn’t win the game and we draw it’s a good result, but we are not going to play against Liverpool thinking we must draw. We don’t know how to play in that way.”
And with Sergio Agüero available for selection, one wouldn't expect the blues to play for the solitary point. The Argentine returned to training last week after aggravating on ongoing hamstring injury in his side's 2-1 loss to Barcelona at the Nou Camp last month, and the striker's return could provide the blues with the necessary impetus to Serg to the summit in May.
(Sergio Agüero could start against Liverpool on Sunday)
Will Liverpool maintain their nine game unbeaten run and make City Kop out? Will the S.A.S have City calling an S.O.S at 16.00pm on Sunday? A home win would certainly marry well with the significance of the tie as the Premier League giants prepare to bow their heads in memory of the tragic Hillsborough disaster which took the lives of 96 Liverpool supporters almost twenty-five years ago. However, with the taste of a first ever Premier League title nestling on the tongue of Manuel Pellegrini, the blues will be hopeful of spoiling the special day.
Prediction: 2-2
Line-Ups
Gaël Clichy's speed and solidity could be preferred to Aleksandar Kolarov's threat on the flanks against the nippy Raheem Sterling alongside Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis in City's back four. Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge will be plotting their assault on the 33-year-old, and the Argentine will have to sustain his impressive form if the hosts are to be kept quiet.
Line-Ups
Gaël Clichy's speed and solidity could be preferred to Aleksandar Kolarov's threat on the flanks against the nippy Raheem Sterling alongside Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis in City's back four. Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge will be plotting their assault on the 33-year-old, and the Argentine will have to sustain his impressive form if the hosts are to be kept quiet.
(Javi García could be called on to provide the blues with extra protection in the middle of the park)
Sergio Agüero's availability presents Manuel Pellegrini with a selection dilemma up top, but Edin Džeko's recent form should see the Bosnian retain his place. If the blues are still in need of a goal towards the end of the game, there's no doubt that Sergio will be introduced.
Daniel Agger has returned from a knee injury and could be played alongside Skrtel in Liverpool's back line.
Head to Head Stats
- Manchester City's last win at Anfield came in May 2003 courtesy of two Nicolas Anelka goals
- In the last five meetings between the sides at Anfield, the sides have drawn four times, with Liverpool winning the other tie
- In a total of sixteen fixtures between the teams at Anfield in Premier League history, the blues have won just once
Premier League stats
- Liverpool (90) have scored 6 more goals than Manchester City this season (84)
- Liverpool (40) have conceded 11 more goals than the blues (29)
- Manchester City (55%) have enjoyed more average possession than their Sunday rivals (53%)
- The blues (423) have created 8 more chances than Liverpool (415)
