Liverpool Vs. Manchester City, 2011 Premier League Week 13: City Look to Extend Their Lead

Roberto Mancini and his Manchester City side are sitting at the top of the table, four points clear of the pack, heading into this matchup with Liverpool at Anfield. City will be looking to go seven points of local rivals Manchester United following United’s draw with Newcastle. Liverpool will be looking to keep pace with Chelsea and Arsenal in pursuit of a place in the top four.

Kenny Daglish’s men are coming off of a massive victory over Chelsea and have already beaten Liverpool and drawn with Manchester United during this term. The Reds have an excellent record of late against City, having gone unbeaten in the last eight matches, with six victories.

Daglish will likely be unable to start Jamie Carragher for the second straight week, but the former England international should be on the substitutes bench again. Winger Stewart Downing could be in line for a recall to the starting lineup as well. Downing is likely to replace Jordan Henderson, who’s form has dipped of late.

City have no fresh injury concerns to worry about. Mario Balotelli is over his illness, but Roberto Mancini is still likely to rotate his squad following a disappointing result in the Champions League against Napoli. Sergio Aguero will likely start and Michah Richards should be recalled after being left out of the trip to Naples.

When the two sides last met, back in April at Anfield, Liverpool came away 3-0 winners. Andy Carroll netted twice for the Reds. That match was the last time City didn’t manage to score in a league match, having managed 52 goals in 18 games since then. Liverpool are also the last team to score more than two goals against Mancini’s side.

Given City’s form in the league this season I would be very surprised if this visit to Anfield ended similar to the last one. Mancini’s men will be likely out for blood after a disappointing result at mid-week and Liverpool, with their defense still a bit suspect without Carragher, could find themselves on the end of a lopsided result.