Liverpool v Man City - Premier League Betting

Manchester City's UEFA Champions League credentials face a stern test as they visit Liverpool

Chelsea's win over Wigan on Saturday took them back above City into third while fifth-placed Tottenham are back within three points of City following their victory against Stoke.

The Blues are in high spirits after thrashing Sunderland 5-0 last week but Roberto Mancini's men may have one eye on this weekend's FA Cup semi-final with derby rivals United at Wembley.

Given Liverpool's home form - they are unbeaten in eight at Anfield - City can ill afford not to be at the top of their game for the short trip to Merseyside.

Record signing Andy Carroll is still searching for his first Liverpool goal and the hosts will be eager to avenge their 3-0 defeat at Eastlands back in August.

Kenny Dalglish's men will also be keen to keep their hopes of European qualification alive.

Seventh-placed Everton are now one point behind their Merseyside rivals but a Liverpool victory would put them back within five points of Tottenham.

Although City's last two trips to Anfield have been draws, they have not won their since Nicolas Anelka's last-gasp strike denied Liverpool a place in the 2003/04 Champions League, and the Blues' last away win was at Newcastle on Boxing Day.

Dalglish has a shortage of options in defence after both Daniel Agger (knee) and Glen Johnson (hamstring) suffered injuries in last week's 2-1 defeat at West Brom, joining Martin Kelly on the sidelines.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos is set to come into the centre of defence for Agger while Danny Wilson could be denied his second Premier League start at full-back as Fabio Aurelio is back in training after a hamstring injury.

Captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing groin surgery last week so Jay Spearing is likely to continue in central midfield, although Jonjo Shelvey is working his way back into contention after appearing for the reserves last week following knee surgery.

Pablo Zabaleta returns to the City squad after compassionate leave and could replace youngster Dedryck Boyata at right-back.

Gareth Barry, James Milner and Edin Dzeko are all pushing for a recall after being rested for the 5-0 destruction of Sunderland.

City are set to take a more defensive approach at Anfield so Mario Balotelli could make way, although Adam Johnson will hope to keep his place on the wing after an impressive return to the starting line-up last week.

Possible starting XIs:

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Aurelio, Meireles, Lucas, Spearing, Kuyt, Suarez, Carroll.

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, Barry, De Jong, Y. Toure, A. Johnson, Silva, Tevez.

Odds: Liverpool @ 2.62 & Man City @ 3.05. The Draw looks a good bet @ 3.4

 

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