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A potential season-defining contest this morning as Manchester City host Liverpool. Join us for live scores minute-by-minute commentary from 4.30am AEDT.
Liverpool celebrated Christmas Day as the competition leaders for the first time since 2008 after their 3-1 win over Cardiff City on Saturday, but could go into this evening in second should Arsenal win or draw at Upton Park.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has emphasised in the leadup to this one that City still remain strong favourites to win the title but in truth he’ll know the statement that his side can potentially make with a win.
Despite their top-of-the-table status, Liverpool have struggled away from Anfield of late. Notwithstanding their 5-0 demolition that led to the demise of Andre Villas-Boas, the Reds have lost at Hull City and Arsenal and drawn at Newcastle and Everton.
It’s pointing out the bleeding obvious but Liverpool will again rely on the strikepower of Luis Suarez.
Since the Uruguayan has returned he’s hit the net 19 times in 12 matches and with no Daniel Sturridge he will again shoulder the bulk of the Reds attack.
The home side have the misfortune of their own talisman, Sergio Aguero, unavailable due to a calf injury that will keep him out at least another five to six weeks.
Still, City come into this game looking to make it 10 games unbeaten in all competitions with the only blemish in that nine-match unbeaten run a 1-1 draw at Southampton.
In their last two Premiership fixtures they’ve notched up 10 goals with 6-3 and 4-2 wins over Arsenal and Fulham respectively, largely thanks to their multi-faceted attack.
While both teams seem to be having no problems in front of goal, this could be one that boils down to what happens in the middle of the park.
Yaya Toure and Fernandinho providing perhaps the best two-man screen in the league, and the likes of Navas and Silva providing the threat further forward, the Liverpool midfield will have their hands full trying to protect what has been at times a fragile back four.
Rodgers will be hoping Jordan Henderson, who shone playing as a deep-lying midfielder in place of injured captain Steven Gerrard in the win over City, can again do the job at the Etihad.
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