On Sky
After last Sunday’s five goal mauling of hapless Mackems, we come to Monday night’s encounter against Liverpool, I cannot remember ever playing the same team twice in one season on a Monday night.
Liverpool will be out for revenge following our emphatic 3 -0 win at Gods own ground back in August, they will also be smarting after their 2-1 reverse v Uncle Woy’s WBA.
City’s injury crisis at right back has been eased with the return from Argentina of Zaba (all our best wishes to you and your father, Zaba) and the re-emergence of Boyata, I know some people do not rate him or he makes them nervous, but to me, this lad is so composed and grows more confident with each game he plays.
Vital Quotes:
Roberto Mancini press conference
Kenny Dalglish press conference
Liverpool Team News:
Liverpool will be without the injured Gerrard, Glen Johnson and now Daniel Agger. Suarez is looking impressive, Carroll less so (so Carroll to score then!) but they have looked impressive against the sides above them since Dalglish took over.
Reina
Wilson Skrtel Carragher Aurelio
Kuyt Merelies Lucas maxi
Suarez Carroll
Player to watch: Luis Suarez
He looked impressive in the World Cup and seems to have carried that over into his early Liverpool career, was many people’s MOM v the scum when Kuyt scored a hat trick, expect a tough day for both Vinny and Joleon.
Manchester City Team News:
City reverted to a 4-4-2 against Sunderland which Dalglish has been playing for Liverpool too so with the semi in mind I would expect the following team:
Hart
Boyata Kompany Lescott Kolarov
Johnson Barry De Jong Milner
Balotelli Tevez (possibly Dzeko)
Player to watch: Mario Balotelli
Our well documented reliance on Tevez (five different scorers on Sunday was a welcome boost) we still look to him however if Mario can keep smiling then expect him to become a major influence in the remaining games, if not, then expect self-combustion (again).
Match Facts & Stats
League head to head: Liverpool 74 wins. Man City 38 wins and 37 draws.
Ref Watch:
Referee: Mark Halsey
Assistants: Scott Ledger and Ceri Richards
4th Official: Mark Jones
Match Prediction:
As already mentioned, Liverpool will be after revenge after the game at our place and the game v WBA and will have a point to prove against one of the new order, they are without their captain but in Mereiles and Suarez have enough skill and nous for any team, this is a tough game for the Blues. Anfield has never been the happiest of hunting grounds for us but that was a different Manchester City but I still expect a hard fought draw.
Liverpool 2 Manchester City 2
Next Fixtures:
FA Cup Semi-Final
Wembley Stadium
Saturday 16 April 2011
Manchester City v Manchester United