Filed under: Liverpool, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: ANFIELD, MONDAY APRIL 11, 2011. KICK-OFF: 2000 BSTIt is not only defenders that Kenny Dalglish is running out of.
The Liverpool manager is also short of time in his attempt to salvage a place in next season's Europa League from the wreckage of a poor season.
With just seven matches remaining and eight points to make up on fifth-placed Tottenham, a game against Champions League hopefuls Manchester City, who hammered Sunderland 5-0 last time out, is probably the last thing Dalglish needed ahead of next week's game at Arsenal.
To add to Dalglish's problems, influential captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for the season after having surgery to cure his groin injury.
Defender Daniel Agger will not play again this season because of a damaged knee while full backs Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly are not fit for this game because of hamstring injuries.
But in the words of Dalglish, Liverpool have to get on with it.
It was against City back in August that the first cracks appeared in Roy Hodgson's ill-fated reign
after a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Eastlands.
But this game will offer evidence whether Roberto Mancini's side can find the consistency required to secure a Champions League berth.
Despite their top four position, City have failed in the last five attempts to secure an away win in the league, the 3-1 win at Newcastle on Boxing Day the last success.
Key Match-up: Pepe Reina v Carlos Tevez: Having conceded two at West Brom - and picked up a booking along the way - Liverpool keeper Reina will be desperate to notch his 12th clean sheet in the league this term. Tevez might have scored 22 times in all competitions for City this season. But the Argentina striker has only managed two goals in his last 11 club outings.
Form Guide: Liverpool are seeking their third win in six league games ahead of their trip to Arsenal next weekend. Manchester City's form has been just as patchy. Before last weekend's crushing victory over Sunderland, Mancini's side had managed just two league wins in six.
Odds: Liverpool 13/8, Manchester City 2/1, Draw 23/10
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