Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC’s season is finally set for take-off against Manchester City
FOR August 15, read November 21. Though he would do anything to turn the clocks back, Rafa Benitez finally believes Liverpool's season is poised for take off.[LNB]After three of the most frustrating months he has experienced during his career, when results have gone askew as quickly as star players have been forced to set up camp in Melwood's medical room, it is certainly a case of better late than never for Benitez.[LNB]Having seen his team written off as flops and heard many predict their place in the top four is likely to be surrendered come May, the time has come for the Liverpool manager to galvanise a response and he is adamant one is on the way.[LNB]Manchester City's visit tomorrow has long been looked upon as one of the most significant encounters of the season, with many expecting the Blues from the other end of the M62, fuelled by Arab billions, to make a statement of intent.[LNB]They, after all, have been hailed as a Champions League club in the making and with Liverpool's experiencing results that have left supporters screaming like the figure in Edward Munch's fabled painting, it is easy to see why a shift in power is anticipated.[LNB]City's squad, for starters, includes a strike force that cost almost £100m, the third most expensive central defender in football history and Gareth Barry, a player who Liverpool courted long and hard while he was at Aston Villa.[LNB]Benitez, however, has remained unruffled throughout; he has long maintained the view that a clearing of the sick bay will herald a change in Liverpool's fortunes and the moment he has been waiting for is almost here.[LNB]True, there is no Fernando Torres, Alberto Aquilani is not match fit and Yossi Benayoun is hamstrung but Benitez is quietly confident the side he will select for tomorrow's lunchtime showdown will be a match for City's expensively assembled ensemble.
