The Premier League champions welcome Liverpool to the Etihad on Sunday afternoon as City aim to slash United’s seven point lead at the top. The January transfer window came to an end on Thursday with contrasting outcomes for the two teams. Brendan Rogers’ Liverpool are on the cusp of challenging for a Champions League spot and the club owners, FSG, have seemingly funded a final push to catch the leading group. Daniel Sturridge, who has already scored three times for Liverpool, was brought in at the start of the window for £12m whilst they also brought in Brazilian attacker, Phillipe Coutinho. The former Inter Milan player cost £8.5m and is a clear sign that Rogers has the backing and trust of the owners to take the club further. The Reds’ squad was also trimmed with fringe players such as Joe Cole, Nuri Sahin and Alexander Doni moving on whilst there were loan deals for youngsters Wilson, Pacheco and Ngoo. Man City took a very different approach and opted not bring in anyone despite the £19m sale of the unpredictable Mario Balotelli. Roberto Mancini believes three strikers is enough to see them to end of the season but this week admitted that he is a keen admirer of Luis Suarez, sparking huge summer transfer rumours already. As expected, Manchester City come into the tie as the form team, with four wins in their last six. However a midweek draw against Queens Park Rangers has dented their title bid substantially. Liverpool will have been hugely disappointed not have beaten Arsenal during the week. The Red’s were 2-0 up away at the Emirates and looked rampant, however Arsenal struck back to take a point. Team News City captain Vincent Kompany continues to miss out due to a calf injury. To add to the defensive problems, Matija Nastasic is struggling for fitness after a knee injury and both Maicon and Micah Richards remain out. Defensive midfielder Javi Garcia deputised in defence midweek and may be called upon once more. Yaya and Kolo Toure will both miss out due to international commitments at the Africa Cup of Nations whilst Mario Balotelli has left for AC Milan. Key Players In a team of stars such as City’s, it is difficult to pinpoint stand out players. However, with so many injuries in defence, the likes of Joleon Lescott and Pablo Zabaleta will need to show their experience and put in a performance. With the departure of Balotelli, it seems strikers Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko will all enjoy more playing time, allowing the players to gain better form. They will all be expected to play their part as they chase down Manchester United. Liverpool will be keen to exploit the fragilities in the Man City defence and a win at the Etihad would certainly repay the faith shown in the current squad and management.

A news article on 2013-02-02 20:24:00 from: The Anfield Opinion

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