From a Liverpool fan’s point of view, I’m excited for this game. Despite not being at our highest level against Southampton and lacking fluency for large parts of the game, I can see that changing at the Etihad on Monday night. We usually up our game more times than not and they tend to be fast-paced, yet tight affairs. With both sides winning their opening fixture, they’ll both be looking to continue the trend as first and second from last year clash so early into the new season.
Last season’s matches were one a piece. City narrowly defeated Liverpool 2-1 in the Etihad as Coutinho’s strike from a well-worked move was cancelled out by City skipper Vincent Kompany before Negredo’s powerful effort proved to powerful for Mignolet to deny. The return fixture a few months later at Anfield was one that nearly proved a season defining fixture. A two goal lead for Liverpool was cancelled out by City, before Phillipe Coutinho struck in the fixture yet again. Season defining? Sadly not, although the previous meeting brings back fond memories.
The timing of this fixture and the strengthening both sides have done makes this fixture massive. City still have the stronger squad of the two sides with a lot of familiar faces that Liverpool need to be wary of, despite signs of them not being at full fitness yet. David Silva, for me, is the biggest one. The unpredictability of the little Spaniard makes him very difficult to nullify, as well as the way he roams the pitch. Gerrard, Lovren and most likely Skrtel will need to be switched on at all times as it can only take a pass or two before he could well possibly tear us to shreds. Then there’s the strikeforce, by far and away the strongest of all clubs in the league. Aguero, Dzeko and Jovetic, Any one of them can do damage at any given time and I’m more than expecting one of them to score. I could sit here listing the potential dangers from City all day, but I want to try round it up. The part of City’s team that stands out the most and is my biggest worry is their midfield three of Yaya Toure, Fernando and Fernandinho. It has everything. Pace, power and drive both offensively and defensively. They’ll cover a lot of ground and are likely to squeeze Liverpool’s midfield, allowing little time with possession. If Liverpool are to win on Monday evening, they need to find a way to deal with, as well as get round City’s midfield presence.
That’s not to say Liverpool won’t trouble City in the game. They can, and they will. Rodgers has echoed throughout the week in various interviews that his squad goes into this game with no fear, and why should they? After going into this season confident on the back of the last, Liverpool have no reason to fear this fixture, as they should embrace it. As for key players for the Reds, Raheem Sterling’s my shout for the main man going forward. The past few months has seen Sterling progress a scary amount in such a short space of time. Given the form the youngsters in, I can see him causing problems at the back for City given the time. Daniel Sturridge will be seen as the biggest goal threat as it is seemingly likely that former-City striker, Mario Balotelli, will not be registered in time to play following a £16 million pound move. Martin Skrtel’s also surprisingly a major goal threat for Liverpool, having scored against Manchester City on various occasions. Away from Skrtel, the energy and dynamism of Henderson will again prove vital for Liverpool also, as it has done so often over the past year.
It’s always nice to have two of the big guns clash early on in the season, especially when it’s your own team. Both sides will surely fancy their chances on Monday. Based on recent history, the match should certainly be a good one.
