Prediction: Liverpool vs Manchester City

Despite seriously improving their top 4 hopes with a bright run of results, Liverpool need to try and defeat the Premier League holders if they want to remain in a good position to clinch Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, the Citizens can put extra pressure on title rivals Chelsea by winning at Merseyside, but that is easier said than done.

Liverpool have got to be congratulated for getting their campaign back on track after the utterly disappointing start and there is still enough time to turn the season into a success. While the Reds will watch Chelsea and Spurs battle for the Capital One Cup trophy after crashing out in the semis, they have now been eliminated from another competition, having lost to Besiktas on penalties in midweek. Nevertheless, Liverpool still have reason for optimism given that they not only qualified for the FA Cup quarter-finals, but also seriously closed the gap behind their top 4 rivals in English Premier League. It has now been several weeks since star striker Daniel Sturridge returned into action, but everyone can see that he is still far from the desired form, meaning the Reds will again be heavily relying on Raheem Sterling to create something up front. With captain Steven Gerrard also missing and quite a few players taking part in too many games over the last couple of months, it will not be easy for Liverpool to match holders Manchester City, who will have had extra two days of rest. Brendan Rodgers will welcome back Philippe Coutinho, but Jordan Henderson faces a fitness test as he battles an ankle problem.

Even though just few weeks ago it looked as though City would not be able to keep up with Premier League leaders Chelsea, all it took was one poor result for the Blues to give Manuel Pellegrini’s side a lifeline and with their rivals contesting the League Cup final this weekend, Manchester City have a chance to close the gap to mere two points. This would definitely place extra pressure on the Blues, so the clash against Liverpool could prove crucial to the Citizens’ title hopes. Following the dismal run of results, Manuel Pellegrini’s charges have shown massive improvement of late, recording big wins against Stoke City and Newcastle United, but with Yaya Toure missing, they could do little to avoid the Champions League defeat to Barcelona. Nevertheless, the Ivorian’s return should prove a huge boost for the visitors, who also have key men David Silva and Sergio Aguero going through a rich vein of form. Manchester City may be winless in last twelve matches at Anfield, but that could serve as an extra incentive for the Citizens to record a much needed win on Sunday.

Conclusion

With Brendan Rodgers unable to make too many changes during the busy schedule, his players could feel the ill-effects when facing Manchester City, who should be in much better shape after additional two days of rest. Seeing as Yaya Toure is back and the likes of Silva and Aguero are on top of their game, I can see City ending the barren run at Anfield.

Verdict: Away win Manchester City (2)

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: William Hill