Liverpool vs. Manchester City Preview

Liverpool rarely start a match as the underdogs at Anfield, but they will be clear second favourites for the visit of mega-rich table toppers Manchester City on Sunday November 27 as the Premier League season moves up yet another gear.

The Kop faithful had hoped that the arrival of Kenny Dalglish would spark a revival for the club and an instant return to the fore of the English game.

But despite a positive start to the 2011/2012 campaign, Liverpool have looked distinctly average and middleweight in recent weeks and a stuttering run of results has left them twelve points behind Roberto Mancini’s side.

As has been the problem for a number of seasons since their glorious 2005 Champions League success, new arrivals have struggled to fit in and gel together on Merseyside, leaving the club off the pace whilst their more settled rivals have been able to hit the ground running and gain consistent results through cohesive football.

And with points urgently needed in order to stay in touch with the top four, Liverpool prepare to face a team in Manchester City who have demonstrated like no other this campaign how to play effective, flowing football, score goals regularly and efficiently achieve results.

Mancini will be hoping his team can capitalise on Liverpool’s evident shortfalls and lack of cutting edge – and three points away at Anfield would certainly do a lot to validate and boost their current position at the top of the league.

If Liverpool are to raise their form, they have to regularly provide a good supply to both Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll who have not yet been seen to their best effect following high profile moves from Ajax and Newcastle United respectively.

Liverpool’s lack of creativity and drive in midfield has ultimately been down to the prolonged absence of Steven Gerrard who is wholly recognised by fans and pundits as the club’s leading man.

Certain opinions that Liverpool have become a one man club are now starting to look valid as the rest of the team, with the exception of the hard working Dirk Kuyt, has quite clearly failed to step up to the plate.

A draw undoubtedly looks about the best the home side can hope for in this contest and they may have to play the majority of the game without the ball.

In the past, Liverpool have been notorious for dictating the tempo of games and deploying a methodical, patient approach – but it is hard to envisage this against a City side full of skill, pace and fluency.

For serious backers, a Manchester City or Draw double result looks extremely profitable at around 4/11 however it would be hard to discourage an away win at far juicier 11/8.

Mancini is used to handling the pressure of managing a team at the top as he demonstrated at Inter Milan and his experience is crucial towards keeping City on winning lines whilst they are shot at by the other big clubs in the league.

For Liverpool, anything other than at least a point looks sure to put a lasting dent in their Champions League hopes as they would consequently have too much ground to make up the likes of Arsenal and Spurs.

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12/12/2011     © Frixo 2024