City v Liverpool: Preview

20 August 2010 11:50
| Submit Comments| Comments (24)| Printable Version1/1Play SlideshowClose MapJames MilnerMidfielder James Milner is set to make his debut for Manchester City on Monday against Liverpool at Eastlands. Milner sat out the 1-0 victory against Timisoara in the Europa League play-off first leg match after arriving from Aston Villa. Manager Roberto Mancini will monitor the fitness of striker Mario Balotelli, who picked up a knock after scoring the winner on his debut. Summer signings Aleksander Kolarov (ankle) and Jerome Boateng (knee) are again ruled out through injury. And Adam Johnson is pushing hard for a start after impressing as a substitute in Romania. Mancini said: "All the players played well, especially in the second half and we moved the ball quickly. When (Adam) Johnson came on, he also did well. "I think we deserved to score another goal because we had three or four good chances." Joe Cole will miss the game for Liverpool through suspension but Javier Mascherano could return. Cole begins a three-match domestic ban after his sending off against Arsenal last weekend but Mascherano is making good progress in his recovery from a calf injury.  Daniel Agger is less likely to feature after suffering concussion in the Arsenal game but the Dane has not yet been ruled out. Captain Steven Gerrard will return after being rested for the Europa League tie against Trabzonspor and Fernando Torres is pushing for his first start of the season. Dirk Kuyt, Glen Johnson, David Ngog and Martin Skrtel could also be back while Christian Poulsen is in contention for a Premier League debut. New goalkeeper Brad Jones is likely to be on the bench. Manchester City (from) : Hart, Given, Richards, Zabaleta, Lescott, K Toure, Kompany, Wright-Phillips, Johnson, Milner, Barry, Silva, Vieira, de Jong, Y Toure, Tevez, Adebayor, Robinho, Santa Cruz, Balotelli, Jo, Logan. Liverpool (from): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Poulsen, Jovanovic, Torres, Ngog, Kyrgiakos, Rodriguez, Babel, Kelly, Wilson, Spearing, Pacheco, Agger, Jones. Key opponent: Steven Gerrard - Will be fresh after midweek rest and his quality is clear Prediction: City 1 Liverpool 0 - if the Blues can maintain their defensive solidity they should create enough chances to win Agree with the prediction? Have your say. Click here for all the latest odds from Betfred.

Source: Man_City