Kompany undaunted by Anfield test

12 April 2014 06:17

Captain Vincent Kompany is confident Manchester City have the players to combat in-form title rivals Liverpool.

City travel to Anfield on Sunday to face the on-song Reds, who have climbed to the top of the Barclays Premier League on a run of nine successive wins.

The match could have a huge bearing on the destiny of the title, with City third in the table, four points behind Liverpool but with two games in hand.

Kompany said: "We remember the match against them earlier in the season and for me, Liverpool are still the best Premier League team we've faced at the Etihad.

"They have been on a fantastic run and we know we have to be focused and leave the pitch at the end knowing we've given everything because there is so much at stake in this game.

"But then again, this is a great challenge for us.

"They have a great squad and while we will be wary of that, I think we have quite a few great players of our own.

"We've been to Old Trafford, White Hart Lane and the Allianz Arena and come away with victories this season and our form on the road is as good as anyone.

"We know that if the players, supporters and staff around our club stand together, we are capable of anything."

City could be boosted by the return of top scorer Sergio Aguero, who has recovered from the hamstring injury that has kept him out for the last five games.

A feisty atmosphere is anticipated for one of the biggest games of the season.

The game will also be an emotional occasion with a number of commemorations planned to mark the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini said: "It will be a very emotional day but the team that has the cold mind will win the game.

"It is easy in these big games to have the motivation but it is very important to manage the anxiety. That is very important for all the players."

Pellegrini claims he is thriving on the pressure of the title race.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and Jose Mourinho, manager of second-placed Chelsea, have both suggested City are the side under the greatest pressure.

Pellegrini said: "I think Liverpool are favourites because they are top of the table but I don't like to take the pressure off my team.

"I think all big teams know they must play with pressure. I don't try to take advantage and say we don't have any pressure because we play away or they are the best team.

"It's impossible not to enjoy it. That's why we are here - fighting for the title.

"It's better for everyone to have two or three teams fighting for the title."

Source: PA