Liverpool v Manchester City
Venue: Anfield
Date: Saturday, 21 November Kick-off: 12.45
Coverage: Live on Sky Sports 1 & highlights on Match of the Day
Team News
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard returns and Rafa Benitez expects Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger to play after recent injuries, but Fernando Torres misses out once again.
Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera could feature, but Alberto Aquilani will have to settle for a place on the bench.
Manchester City are hoping Gareth Barry will shake off the groin problem he picked up while playing for England. Martin Petrov (knee) joins Craig Bellamy, Robinho, Nedum Onuoha and Benjani on the City sidelines.
Liverpool
Suspended: Carragher (two matches)
Doubtful: None
Injured: Aurelio (calf), Torres (groin)
Man City
Suspended: None
Doubtful: Bellamy (groin), Robinho (ankle)
Injured: Benjani (hip), Onuoha (thigh), Petrov (knee)
Gerrard returns for Liverpool
Rafael Benitez looked calm, relaxed and happy as he announced the return of Steven Gerrard to the Liverpool side for the lunchtime clash with Manchester City.
The Reds’ boss has been a man under pressure in recent weeks and the absence of his talismanic skipper has not helped Liverpool’s situation.
But whilst Gerrard is back, Fernando Torres is still not available and Benitez said: “It is too soon for him; he needs a few more days.”
Of the return of his inspirational leader on the pitch, Rafa added: “Of course, it is great to have Steven Gerrard back in the team.
“He is fit and ready. He inspires others around him and, maybe, he can score the winning goal against City.”
Mark Hughes’ men, meanwhile, are in bullish mood ahead of the Saturday showdown at Anfield and says it is Liverpool who should be feeling the pressure.
He said: "People say this is a big game for City, to prove we are worthy of being called a big club. But this is also a big game for Liverpool. They'll look at us and see us above them in the table.
"Our main aim is to be in one of the Champions League places by finishing in the top four. So we need to go to Liverpool and prove we can take one of those places they want to be involved in. Next year we want to be playing in the Champions League at Manchester City. "
