Liverpool v Manchester City Online Preview: Premier League Football

Liverpool vs. Manchester City

21st November, 2009

Anfield

Kick-Off: 12:45 GMT

Liverpool

The international break could not have come at a better time for Liverpool, who will have had time to regain their thoughts and focus for Saturday's Liverpool vs Man City matchup.

Rafa Benitez' men are in desperate need of a win, as the club have won only one of their previous five Premier League matches.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, injuries have cast a dark shadow over the squad as of late.

The injuries to stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were, for obvious reasons, huge blows to Liverpool, but the team has failed to step up their game in the absence of their leaders.

The fact that Liverpool currently sits seventh in the league on only 19 points from 12 games is a bit shocking.  And in wake of their failures, Benitez has been on thin ice in the media.

This Liverpool vs. Manchester City clash will not make things easier for the side, as they will be facing a team who is undoubtedly looking to break into the top four and oust the Reds from their formerly comfortable position.

Liverpool's most recent 2-2 draw with Birmingham at Anfield was only the latest in a long run of poor performances. And, if Liverpool doesn't right the ship sooner, rather than later, Benitez could very well be out the door, as could Liverpool's future Champions League aspirations.

Manchester City

Manchester City have generally done well through the first three months of the season.

Mark Hughes' side currently find themselves one position ahead of Liverpool in the table, in sixth. The Blues have gathered 20 points for their efforts this season, but have a game in hand over Liverpool.

Still, the fine position Man City find themselves in has been no indication of the way the club has been performing recently, as they, too, will have enjoyed the break.

After storming out to an inspired start, City have now drawn all of their last five Premier League matches, the latest of which came in a 3-3 draw against Burnley.

Man City was the better side, but were down 2-0 just after the half hour mark. The match swung wildly following Burnley's second goal, and City hammered three consecutive goals past Brian Jensen to take a 3-2 lead.

Then, with only three minutes remaining, substitute Kevin McDonald levelled things up for the visitors.

For a team that holds such high aspirations as Manchester City now does, draws against weaker sides simply cannot be an option on a regular basis if the side is to challenge the Big Four at the top of the table.

Prediction

With a run of mediocre results behind them, Man City will certainly be hoping for three points at Anfield on Saturday.

The Citizens managed a draw in last season's Liverpool vs. Man City fixture at Anfield, but lost the Man City vs Liverpool match at the City of Manchester Stadium by a scoreline of 3-2.

Both Liverpool and Manchester City will be eager for a result in this fixture, for similar reasons.

But. Liverpool should be the hungrier of the two sides, and with captain Steven Gerrard set to make his return from injury for the match, the Reds would have to appear to be the more likely of the sides to take a result away on Saturday.

Liverpool vs Man City Prediction: Liverpool 2, Man City 0

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Also, read our other weekend previews, including Man Utd vs Everton , Sunderland vs Arsenal , and Chelsea vs Wolves plus three others!