Premier League preview: Manchester City v Liverpool
It’s rather like a game of Football Manager for Roberto Mancini at the moment isn’t it?
The Manchester City manager has to put a team of 11 players on the pitch and fill a bench of seven, leaving out many unhappy players along the way. Also, he has unlimited amounts of money to spend on behalf of expectant owners. Is he enjoying his new game as much as you would?
As their goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur proved, their starting 11 was great, and their bench was even better. But despite this, they looked out of sorts and had goalkeeper Joe Hart to thank for salvaging a point, as they could have conceded four or five before half-time.
One man who everyone will want to have their eyes on is new signing Mario Balotelli. He enjoyed a chaotic debut for City last Thursday in their Europa League match, as he came off the bench, scored the winning goal, got booked and sustained an injury. It was an explosive start for an explosive player.
“It was the kind of debut I dreamed of," he said. “But my right leg aches. I think it may be a cartilage thing and the problem is I do not have much muscle on this side,” said Balotelli.
“It wasn't the result of a tackle, nobody touched me, I simply over-extended the knee. It's a bit of a problem, but I'm sure it will go away fast and that I will be available against Liverpool.”
City have to name a 25-man Premier League squad on September 1st, and there will be some players who will not make the cut. Craig Bellamy has joined Cardiff City on loan for the rest of the season, while Stephen Ireland has gone to Aston Villa as part of the deal that brought James Milner to Eastlands.
Liverpool also drew in their opening game. A 1-1 draw against Arsenal is a great result, but having defended the whole of the second half with 10 men following Joe Cole’s red card, and goalkeeper Pepe Reina scoring an own goal in the 90th minute, they felt they could have taken all three points.
Liverpool enjoyed a 1-0 win over Turkish side Trabzonspor in their Europa League match at Anfield, and were good value to score more than one. Manager Roy Hodgson also has the transfer speculation to deal with involving his players Javier Mascherano and Dirk Kuyt. He insists both will not leave, but Mascherano’s future does seem uncertain.
Captain Steven Gerrard is once again leading out the Merseyside outfit, while their star striker Fernando Torres looks to be returning to full fitness and ready to make an impact.
One of Liverpool’s newest recruits, Christian Poulsen, has tried to settle into the Premier League by deciding to have a dig at tonight’s opponents. The Denmark international says all of City’s spending cannot compete against the history of his new club. “You can't compare City with the history of Liverpool and [Manchester] United. In Denmark we really love English football,” he said.
“Now you have teams like City and Spurs. But in Denmark, Liverpool are No.1. You see the history, it's really something special. When you are at Melwood and Anfield, there's a really big history. We have a really strong squad and will be at the top of the league this season,” said the 30-year old.
Games between City and Liverpool are usually thrilling affairs, apart from last season’s rather dire 0-0 at the City of Manchester stadium. With what is on show tonight, it’s hard to see this game finishing without a goal.
We will remember the match that took place here in 2008, where Liverpool found themselves 2-0 down, and somehow managed to score three times to grab the win.
Anything like that match can be expected, and both will be going for the win to kick-start their campaign.
Prediction: Manchester City 2 Liverpool 2
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