The Reds versus The Citizens

The Champions title defence goes up a gear with the misson to Anfield off the back of three 3-2 wins. A clean sheet will be a Mancio must have

Brendan Rodgers:

'We went through a period at Swansea last season where we didn't concede a goal at home until around about November time, which was incredible. We built up a such a mindset around the place that it was a difficult place to come to and that is the aim here for Anfield...Manchester City are the benchmark and it's going to be a really difficult game but my players are really focused and looking forward to the game.'

Roberto Mancini:

'I think Liverpool will fight for the title this year because they play well, they bought good players, they have a good manager and they have changed their style of play. Every game you play at Anfield is really tough. They come from a game against West Bromwich where they didn't deserve to lose but football is strange. For this I think it will be a hard game.'

OUT:
Daniel Agger (suspended)

Following the midweek Europa League qualifier win at Hearts, Brendan Rodgers has almost a full complement of players available. This game comes too early for Real Madrid midfielder loanee Nuri Sahin.

Key to Brendan Rodgers' aim to become quickly established as Liverpool boss, Gerrard, so often the carrier of the side in recent seasons must fire. He has to nullify the juggernaut that is Yaya Toure.

OUT:
Micah Richards (ankle - 10 weeks)
Gareth Barry (hernia - 3 months)
Sergio Aguero (knee - 4 weeks)

On fire, full of belief and focused. This was how Mario Balotelli approached Euro 2012 and his cameo role in the win over Southampton last week again showed great promise. He's going to either start or come on as a substitute at Anfield and he has a score to settle following his sending off last season.

Head To Head:
League 75 Liverpool Wins, 38 Draws, 39 City Wins
League Cup 3 Liverpool Wins, 2 Draws, 1 City Win
FA Cup 3 Liverpool Wins, 2 Draws, 2 City Wins
Total: 81 Liverpool Wins, 42 Draws, 42 City Wins

Last Time Around:
Carling Cup We 25Jan 2012
Liverpool 2 - 2 Man City
Carling Cup We 11Jan 2012 Man City
0 - 1 Liverpool
Premier Tu 03Jan 2012 Man City 3 - 0 Liverpool
Premier Su 27Nov 2011 Liverpool 1 - 1 Man City

BIG MATCH FACTS
If Liverpool lose, Brendan Rodgers will be the first Liverpool manager to begin his career pointless since Bill Shankly in 1959.

The scousers have lost 10 of their last 15 Premier league fixtures and have only won 1 of their past 5 Premier League games at Anfield.

The Blues conceded only 17 goals away from home in the last campaign.

Carlos Tevez needs 2 goals to become the first player to score 50 times in the Premier League for City.

A Marriner of West Midlands 2011-2012 Record Across All Competitions: 28 Games, 92 Yellows, 5 Reds Last Season: English Premier Mo 30Apr 2012 Man City 1 - 0 Man Utd

Johnny On The Spot: Brendan Rodgers is no mug and I personally like the fella's playing style. Yet it's a style I think will take time to impose upon the size of a club like Liverpool. It's very much a work in progress and here comes the finished article in Manchester City fresh from a wake up call against Southampton. I'm expecting City to approach this one with an accent upon solidity with midfield the key battle area. Liverpool 0 City 2

Sa 01 Sep 17h30 QPR, The Etihad, PL
Sa 15 Sep 15h00 Stoke, The Britannia Stadium, PL
Su 23 Sep 16h00 Arsenal, The Etihad, PL
Sa 29 Sep 15h00 Fulham, Craven Cottage, PL

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