WHEN I first sat down to write this column, I actually felt that we could be in for a hiding by Manchester City tomorrow. 

After all, this is a side who have swatted aside almost every other team thrown at them in the English Premier League (EPL).

Except for the 2-2 draw with Fulham back on Sept 18, City have beaten the other 11 teams – including mauling one Manchester United 6-1!

But then I looked back at their last few results and I have to admit that my Liverpool side do have some hope of trooping off Anfield with at least a share of the spoils.

City, you see, have been stuttering lately. Two weekends ago, they barely edged an enterprising Queens Park Rangers 3-2 before bouncing back last week to nail Newcastle 3-1 at home.

Then, in midweek, they fell 2-1 to Napoli in a Champions League clash – and this is the kind of result that can either make them bounce back even stronger and hungrier or break them – psychologically.

And I am counting on City to be so demoralised by the Napoli defeat that Liverpool can capitalise on it.

Another factor I am counting on is for King Kenny to send out the same team who nicked all three points at Stamford Bridge last week.

Stick with Maxi Rodriguez and Craig Bellamy on the wings, let Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt loose up front, put Lucas as the holding midfielder, give Charlie Adam the freedom to pull the strings from the centre – and we might stand a chance.

Play the way we did against Chelsea and we could be grinning from ear to ear for another week. Drop our standard even a tiny bit, and we could be in for a hiding.

Simply put, the whole team have to stand up and be counted.

I just hope King Kenny will not switch to a defensive line-up of five midfielders. I fear we may get mauled if he does that because inviting City to attack you is a sure recipe for disaster.

So, let’s fight fire with fire. City are a fine attacking team.

So are we. We have been creating chances aplenty too.

Only difference is they finish off their chances with aplomb while we bomb terribly.

And let’s not forget our 12th man – the Kop! If there is any match where we’ll need the support of our fans, it will be this clash.

So, there is a glimmer of hope. And that is all I need to actually say the Reds will win this one 3-2.

So come on you Reds, YNWA!

 

n R. Manogaran likes this quote by Bill Shankly: “If you’re not sure what to do with the ball, just pop it in the net and we’ll discuss your options afterwards.” That’s Shanks for you!

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