Source: liverpoolfc.com
Week two of this season’s Barclay’s Premier League, and already a potentially blockbuster fixture, Manchester City vs Liverpool. Last season’s runners-up take on last season’s champions.
Both sides got off to winning starts in their respected opening fixtures. City made the trip to see off a bright Newcastle side, 2-0. And Liverpool beat Southampton, in a narrow 2-1 victory.
City have had a good summer, in terms of strengthening. Fernando has come in from Porto to sure up their midfield. Also from Porto, Eliaquim Mangala, for a staggering £32m. Willy Caballero has also come into Pellegrini’s squad. The Argentine goalkeeper will provide Joe Hart with some competition for the number 1 spot. Bacary Sagna has also come in, from Arsenal, on a free transfer. That concludes City’s additions thus far. I’m sure that there will be more by September the 1st.
City have got incredible talent throughout their team. I expect Pellegrini to opt with a midfield three. Fernando being the anchor of the midfield, with Yaya Toure and Fernandinho either side of the Brazilian.
Despite Aguero coming on and scoring in City’s win against Newcastle, I don’t think Pellegrini will start with the Argentine. Stevan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko would be my bet.
Early rumours are that Eliaquim Mangala isn’t quite ready for this fixture. This most likely signals a Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis partnership, in the centre of City’s defence.
I expect and hope there to be a couple of changes in Liverpool’s side on Monday night. I think Rodgers made a mistake by playing Lucas Leiva alongside Steven Gerrard. Over the years, those two have proven they cannot play alongside each other. On Sunday, it was demonstrated even more.
Gerrard is so instrumental in the way Liverpool play. And, obviously, the captain. So Lucas should be the man to make way. I’d bring Joe Allen in the side. I don’t think the Welshman could’ve done anything more to earn himself a starting place than he did on Sunday, when he came on against the Saints. He came on, and effectively changed the game. I think against the likes of Yaya Toure, Fernandinho and Fernando, his intelligence, good footwork and speed could prove invaluable.
However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Rodgers chucked Emre Can in the mix. I wouldn’t be disappointed, either. His power could be a reason Rodgers starts the young German. His power and strength against Yaya’s could be a good match.
I’d go with a midfield trio of Gerrard, Allen and Henderson. Gerrard anchoring the three, Henderson and Allen either side of the captain. Allen and Henderson’s pressing will be key in this game, I feel. But even if Can comes in for Lucas, and not Allen, he’s still got bundles of energy.
In front of the midfield trio; I’d put Coutinho on the left, Sterling on the right and Sturridge through the middle. Of course, it won’t stay like that, those three are always interchanging. We were shown that through Sterling’s goal last weekend. Sturridge peeled off to the right hand side, which allowed space to be unlocked in the centre, and Sterling ran into the space and clinically finished.
The defence is an interesting subject this week. Alberto Moreno has signed for the club now, for around £12m. What happens now? Does Moreno get chucked in the deep end, in arguably the biggest fixture of Liverpool’s season? Or does Rodgers stick with Glen Johnson at left-back? That’s despite him not impressing against the Saints. Another argument would be Manquillo out of the side, Johnson and Moreno playing either side? I hope he goes with the two Spaniards.
Johnson hasn’t impressed me in such a long time. I’d prefer to take the risk of putting Moreno there on his debut, than going with Glen Johnson. Javier Manquillo simply doesn’t deserve to be dropped. Manquillo impressed me loads against Dortmund and Southampton in the two matches he has played so far. I’m very excited to see Moreno and Manquillo play together, as I believe they are our future full backs.
Lovren impressed me against his former club too. I thought his reading of the game was phenomenal at times. Without doubt that he’ll keep his place in the side. Martin Skrtel will too, I’d imagine. He had a decent game against Southampton, a few mistakes, but overall he was solid.
Good news for Liverpool on the injury front, too. Lazar Markovic will be in the squad on Monday night, confirmed Brendan Rodgers in his post match interview. He also confirmed that Moreno would be in the squad too, as I previously mentioned. Adam Lallana is still injured, but is making good progress according to the boss.
Expect to see a bit of Markovic towards the end of the game. He could be great if we are chasing the game, or the winner. His electrifying pace could cause the City defence a bag full of problems.
I think this will be a difficult game for the Reds. But if we show up like we did last season at the Etihad, I’m confident we will get at very least, a point. There will be goals, there always is with these two sides. I’m going with a 3-2 away win for Liverpool. I think our pace will seem incredible in this game. And I expect Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge to have superb games, and be our match winners.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
– Bobby
