Premier League preview: Liverpool v Manchester City

Liverpool will be hoping to extend their unbeaten home record under Kenny Dalglish when they welcome Manchester City to Anfield on Monday.

The Merseysiders will be looking to redeem themselves in the English Premier League after last week’s disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Bromwich Albion, now coached by former Reds boss Roy Hodgson.

And victory against the Eastlands outfit is imperative for sixth-place Liverpool, as they eye off the final Champions League place currently occupied by Chelsea.

Liverpool have looked a different side since Kenny Dalglish took over the coaching reins from Hodgson in January and instilled an attacking impetus into the team.

Dalglish will be hoping January purchases Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll begin to build an understanding up front now that the latter has returned to fitness following a three month injury layoff.

However, the Reds will be without influential skipper Steven Gerrard, who has been ruled for the remainder of the season with a groin problem, with Jay Spearking likely to remain in his captain’s central midfield role.

Joining Gerrard on the sidelines is centre-back Daniel Agger, who is battling a knee tendon problem, while fullback Glen Johnson and defender Martin Kelly are also out of action.

Manchester City enter the game in good spirits following their 5-0 thumping of Sunderland last week.

The Eastlands club, who are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Liverpool, have conceded only 27 goals this season and have kept 14 clean sheets in the league.

City boss Roberto Mancini has a selection headache, with Gareth Barry, James Milner and Edin Dzeko all fighting to return to the starting line-up after being rested against Sunderland.

Carlos Tevez will lead the attack and will likely be joined by Mario Balotelli, with Adam Johnson World Cup winner David Silva behind them.

And should Manchester City do the double over Liverpool, it will be the first time they have achieved such a feat since in 76 years.