Source: SKY_Sports
Liverpool v Man City preview
Steven Gerrard has failed to regain fitness in time for Liverpool's game with Man City on Sunday.[LNB] Gerrard had been expected to make the substitutes bench, but the talismanic midfielder has not been named in the squad for the clash.[LNB]Regardless of the captain's absence, a win against City remains essential to keeping title hopes alive, after Manchester United's win over Blackburn left the Anfield outfit trailing their rivals by eight points.[LNB]Liverpool emerged as winners in the corresponding tie earlier in the season thanks in large to a Fernando Torres double, and the hopes of The Kop will surely rest on the shoulders of the Spaniard once again.[LNB]City on the other hand have only picked up just one away win all season, and come into the game off the back of a disappointing defeat by Portsmouth last week.[LNB]However, a win against Liverpool would provide a timely boost to the club's hopes of a top-half finish, and a welcome relief for under-pressure boss Mark Hughes.[LNB]Team newsXabi Alonso is suspended for Liverpool after picking up five yellow cards, adding to the loss of Gerrard in the middle.[LNB]Subsequently, Rafa Benitez looks set to turn to South Americans Lucas Leiva and Javier Mascherano to fill the midfield void - although Fabio Aurelio could resume in the centre after performing well against Portsmouth in their last outing.[LNB]Indeed, the lack of first-choice players available in the middle of the pitch may force the Spanish boss into reverting to a 4-4-2, with Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt vying for a starting spot alongside Fernando Torres up front.[LNB]City will be without Shaun Wright-Phillips as the winger continues to serve his three match suspension picked up against Stoke City. [LNB]Micah Richards should remain in defence after making his comeback from injury in the 2-2 draw with FC Copenhagen, although Daniel Sturridge is unlikely to have regained fitness in time for Sunday.[LNB]Having been ineligible for the European tie, Nigel de Jong is set to come straight back into the starting XI and may line up alongside Elano in the middle.[LNB]And with no new injury worries in the aftermath of the midweek game, City should be able to field something close to a full-strength side.[LNB]Possible starting XIsLiverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Benayoun, Mascherano, Lucas, Riera, Kuyt, Torres.[LNB]Man City: Given, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Bridge, Zabaleta, De Jong, Ireland, Elano, Robinho, Bellamy.[LNB]
