Manchester City v Liverpool FC – Match preview

Liverpool travel to the wrong end of the East Lancs Road tomorrow afternoon to take on Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League late kick off. Jürgen Klopp will be hoping his side can turn around a miserable run of results for his side at the home of their hosts where the Reds have failed to win in their last five visits and registering just one draw in the process.To put this into perspective, Liverpool haven’t won against Citeh on their own patch since October 2008. That’s the year when Lewis Hamilton first became Formula One World Champion, Halifax Town FC went out of business, shortly to be followed by MFI and Woolworths as a global recession came home to roost. Since then, tomorrows visitors have come close to going the wall themselves as well as changed manager three times – and still the winless run has not been halted.

So, with that in mind, Klopp has his work cut out tomorrow. Putting it mildly. The hosts boast former Anfield favourite Raheem Sterling. The 20 year-old must be glad he left Liverpool after bagging six goals in his first 15 appearances since joining the Citizens, who currently sit pretty at the top of the league. All that whilst Liverpool struggle to maintain even top-ten status. Some would argue though, that Sterling’s departure was probably the best thing to happen to Liverpool in recent years.

His wish to play in a team that is “challenging” has basically done two things. Firstly, reminded many Liverpool fans – if indeed that were needed, that the team is no longer the force it was and cannot even realistically be described as challengers but more sadly, as also-rans. Secondly and more controversially, it was one of the factors that led to the dismissal of Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool boss. Enter a 48 year-old German, Jürgen Norbert Klopp who seems to have turned things round somewhat. At least in attitude and belief in any case.

Thus, Sterling has probably unwittingly done his old club a huge favour and the improvement in said attitude and belief in addition to endeavour, may just be his undoing tomorrow. For this Liverpool side whilst not being favourites in any way, shape or form will certainly fancy their chancers with the new manager’s infectious enthusiasm taking hold.

By way of selection, Klopp will give a late decision on the inclusion of Daniel Sturridge who returns from a month out with a knee injury in what will be a huge, huge boost to the team should he take part. Conversely the downside will be the inevitable inclusion of Dejan Lovren in place of the injured Mamadou Sakho who is set to miss the rest of the year also with a knee injury.

Aside from Sakho, we can expect the a back four of Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel, Lovren and Alberto Moreno. With James Milner back to full fitness, I believe we’ll see him join Emre Can and Lucas Leiva in front of the back four with Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana in support Christian Benteke as the lone striker. Be very surprised if Sturridge starts this game, but he could have a part to play as a substitute.

This presents the best chance of a result in my eyes. The only change could be to play Jordan Ibe instead of Lallana who has been somewhat uninspiring for me so far this season. His pressing and work-rate off the ball is worthy of inclusion without a doubt but it’s just his finishing and choice of passes in the attack sometimes leaves a bit to be desired. Ibe’s powerful running may just prove to be the difference.

This will be an incredibly big ask for Liverpool tomorrow. That said, I do believe if they play as they can, there’s no reason why they can’t come away with a point if not all three. That would be a massive result for them. Overall, I’d be happy with a draw in all honesty because with Lovren in defence, I’m not convinced. Against Crystal Palace he did have a decent game but fact is, he’s no Mamadou Sakho and I believe the Frenchman’s loss is a bigger blow to the side than being without Sturridge.

We all want to see goals but then, if you don’t concede, you can’t lose. With that in mind, the defence will be crucial and this is the source for my scepticism. Still, as always, I’m more than happy to be proved wrong and take any stick that comes with it. 24 hours from now, I hope that’s the case.

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