MAN CITY v Liverpool: The PREVIEW – City’s Probable Team

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With frustration and a sense of deflation still uppermost in our thoughts following the last-minute defeat against Sunderland, we must now bounce back at home to Liverpool, a fixture sure to challenge our title credentials. Despite controlling the match at the Stadium of Light, we head into this fixture determined to show our resilience and winning mentality. Three points will be tough but it’s the aim and would continue to keep us on top of the Premier League table.

Coming just two days after the Sunderland match, this will be sure to test our fitness levels and with Liverpool having had an extra couple of days to rest following their game with Newcastle, the final half hour of this tie will be key and will be a real test of our belief. The players won’t have any problems motivating themselves for the fixture but once the adrenalin wears off, Liverpool’s extra preparation time will be vital.

With regards to team selection, Roberto Mancini is likely to make a number of changes to the side which started on Sunday. In defence, Vincent Kompany may be the only remaining starter, with Richards, Clichy and Kolo Touré all pushing to start. Gareth Barry and Yaya Touré will occupy the two holding roles, with James Milner, David Silva and Sergio Aguero the others certain to have a place.

That just leaves one berth and it’s a battle between Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri. The Italian missed the Sunderland game through injury and will probably be on the bench for this one, whilst both Dzeko and Nasri looked horribly off-form on Sunday. My gut instinct says Nasri will get the nod, though it’s a tough choice for Mancini.

Here is the side the manager could select:

Liverpool are boosted by the return of inspirational captain Steven Gerrard who was hugely impressive in his substitute appearance against Newcastle. Kenny Dalglish must decide whether to risk the midfielder from the start but one player who will certainly play is Luis Suarez. His eight game suspension, given by the FA for making racist comments to Patrice Evra, doesn’t come into effect just yet, so he will be hoping to cause our defence some problems.

Referee: Andre Marriner – Highly regarded by the powers that be, Marriner hasn’t yet officiated us this season.

Prediction: MAN CITY 1 – 1 Liverpool – It is all set to be a tight, tense and nervy affair. I predict City to take the lead but Liverpool to equalise late on as we tire. Goals to be scored by Sergio Aguero and Dirk Kuyt.