Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC's Martin Skrtel wondering what's next after mixed fortunes against Manchester City
Martin Skrtel 300[LNB]MARTIN SKRTEL is a quiet soul who prefers to keep out of the limelight but, if history repeats itself, he will find himself the centre of attention this evening.[LNB]The quirks of football mean that certain teams make headlines for certain players; think of Danny Murphy and you associate Manchester United, Ian Rush is instantly synonymous with terrorising Everton, while it was Arsenal for Robbie Fowler.[LNB]For Skrtel, it is Manchester City and in the last couple of years, the Slovakian defender has been central to almost every dramatic moment in meetings between the Reds and Manchester's big-spending Blues.[LNB]He winces when recalling the moment his knee buckled in a 3-2 win at the City Of Manchester Stadium in October 2008, then smiles broadly at the memory of his first Liverpool goal, which was scored against them in front of the Kop last November.[LNB] There is a then a nod of satisfaction as he reflects on the Man-of-the-Match display when the sides last met in February, his performance defined by a magnificent sliding tackle to dispossess Emmanuel Adebayor that helped Liverpool grind out a 0-0 draw.[LNB]'Every time we play against them, it seems as if something happens,' Skrtel nodded. 'Sometimes it has been something special, other times it hasn't been so good. Will it happen again? Who knows? I just have to treat it like I would any normal game.'[LNB]But, in reality, this isn't a normal game; where City are now concerned, nothing is ordinary and Roberto Mancini's expensively assembled squad will be viewing tonight's tussle as a chance to make their first mark of the campaign.[LNB]Gauge the views of City supporters and you will find them in confident mood going into this clash, while the body language of Mancini and his assistant David Platt at Anfield eight days ago suggested they fancy their chances of success.[LNB]Skrtel, though, is not in the least bit daunted about the challenge which awaits Liverpool down the M62; City might be attempting to fast track their way to glory yet this could actually be the perfect time for Roy Hodgson's men to pay them a visit.
