The Reds, top of the table for Christmas for the first time in five years, may already be knocked off the summit by the time they run out against Manuel Pellegrini's side, if Arsenal get a result at West Ham.
But they will definitely be overtaken if they become the ninth team in a row to be taken down on the Citizens' own patch.
The Reds produced an extraordinary 5-0 win at Tottenham in their last away fixture, but that is their only victory in their last five assignments on the road.

City remain strong title favourites, and Brendan Rodgers has already said he believes the title is theirs to lose.


However, Luis Suarez's 19 goals in just 12 appearances - six more than injured City striker Sergio Aguero - mean there is little doubt that Liverpool have the most dangerous player in the league at the current time.
Pellegrini has praised both the Reds and Suarez, and will know his predecessor Roberto Mancini was somewhat fortunate not to lose both of last season's encounters.

Liverpool claimed a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium in February. Daniel Sturridge
cancelled out Edin Dzeko's effort in the first half, with Aguero doing the same to Steven Gerrard in the second. The earlier meeting at Anfield had also ended 2-2.

Rodgers felt his side should have taken six points from those games - a misplaced backpass by Martin Skrtel allowed Carlos Tevez to
equalise in August - and says Liverpool will therefore travel down the M62 in confidentmood.

Paul Merson's prediction I can only see one winner here. The
bookmakers have got this horribly wrong as City should be 1/3 on as they are absolute certainties.


City at home are phenomenal,
whileif you take Liverpool's great result at Spurs outof the equation, they got battered at Arsenal and well beat at Hull. I think they will get ripped apart by City.

ednut1: man city promo score one collect 2. ask arsenal nd fulham. yaya nd co will dominate d midfield meaning d Uruguay vampire will feed on scraps. kompany has always man marked suarez succesfully. jsr like arsenal vs Liverpool scores will be 2-0. I expect Henderson to collect red card if dat happens 5-1 loading. man city for epl no 2 ways bout it.

luvola: kompany dey man mark Suarez ? where were u when Liverpool almost sink Manchester city last season both home/away if not for skertel et pepe reina's error. u know go see yaya toure on Thursday. .

lakside s: Suarez is not unmarkable now, where is he and sturidge when they play arsenal

lakside s: Suarez is not unmarkable now, where is he and sturidge when they play arsenal

spenca: It will end in a 4-4 draw

ednut1: man city promo score one collect 2. ask arsenal nd fulham. yaya nd co will dominate d midfield meaning d Uruguay vampire will feed on scraps. kompany has always man marked suarez succesfully. jsr like arsenal vs Liverpool scores will be 2-0. I expect Henderson to collect red card if dat happens 5-1 loading. man city for epl no 2 ways bout it.

spenca: It will end in a 4-4 draw

gratiaeo: Luis Suarez vs Vincent Kompany: Big reputations on the line
As Manchester City prepare to host Liverpool on Boxing Day, arguably the division’s best striker and defender meet.

Manchester City’s home record is outstanding this season, with Manuel Pellegrini’s men wiping the floor with allcomers at the Etihad Stadium over the last couple of months.
What is Liverpool’s best starting XI?
The next team into the lion’s den is Liverpool, who travel to Manchester today in search of a result to keep them on top of the Premier League table.

However, an interesting subplot will see Luis Suarez take on Vincent Kompany, in what is sure to have a real impact on the outcome of the game.
The Liverpool striker is in scintillating form, netting an incredible 19 goals in 12 Premier League games this season already.

However, he will go up against arguably the most able central defender in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium in the form of the Belgian.

Despite a comical own goal in City’s last game, a 4-2 win over Fulham, Kompany seems close to full fitness once more and will be keen to lead his side to another victory on home soil against the Reds.

To do so, he will be personally charged with keeping the mercurial Uruguayan quiet – no mean feat given the confidence that runs through Suarez’s veins at the moment.

Given the lofty reputations of the individual players, it is fair to build the personal battle up as the Premier League’s best striker against its top defender.
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/12/26/luis-suarez-vs-vincent-kompany-big-reputations-on-the-line/

gratiaeo: Rodgers hoping to end man city run
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes his side are capable of ending Manchester City's 100 per cent home league record this season.

The Premier League leaders head to the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day to face a third-placed City side who have won all eight of their home games, scoring 35 goals in the process.

"We know it is a tough place to go. This season Manchester City have won every one of their games at home but we've won every one at home bar one," said Rodgers.

"They obviously have confidence at home and they score goals but they concede goals.

"You normally lose it (a 100 per cent record) at some stage of the season, it will depend on a team going there and having the bravery to play and get that bit of luck when you need it.

"In the two games against City last season we were the better side and we made mistakes that cost us and we ended up drawing the two games.

"They will know as well we are a good side and arrive with confidence high.

"We understand it will be a really tough game but we are looking forward to it.

"If you play to your A game it may be difficult for opponents and that is what we concentrate on - we can be the team that goes there and gets the first result."

Rodgers admits he is currently short on numbers and is looking at drafting in youth and reserve players to bolster his first-team squad over the busy festive period.

"Man City's squad is one which has been built to win every trophy in the world, not just the Premier League," he said.

"We understand the size of the task but our team at the moment has shown to be the best team over 17 games.

"You have to respect the opponent and understand they have some outstanding players but recognise the talents of your own group.

"You will probably learn more about the squad (over the coming days).

"I know what the team can do but we have a number of injuries, however, we will go into the game with the same charisma and aggression to work.

"It is an opportunity for us in the game but also an opportunity for me to bring in youth team and reserve team players - that is why you have an academy."

Gerrard looks ahead
Steven Gerrard speaks about the upcoming year with the England team and his hopes for his Liverpool side next season..........

gratiaeo: Luis Suarez vs Vincent Kompany: Big reputations on the line
As Manchester City prepare to host Liverpool on Boxing Day, arguably the division’s best striker and defender meet.

Manchester City’s home record is outstanding this season, with Manuel Pellegrini’s men wiping the floor with allcomers at the Etihad Stadium over the last couple of months.
What is Liverpool’s best starting XI?
The next team into the lion’s den is Liverpool, who travel to Manchester today in search of a result to keep them on top of the Premier League table.

However, an interesting subplot will see Luis Suarez take on Vincent Kompany, in what is sure to have a real impact on the outcome of the game.
The Liverpool striker is in scintillating form, netting an incredible 19 goals in 12 Premier League games this season already.

However, he will go up against arguably the most able central defender in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium in the form of the Belgian.

Despite a comical own goal in City’s last game, a 4-2 win over Fulham, Kompany seems close to full fitness once more and will be keen to lead his side to another victory on home soil against the Reds.

To do so, he will be personally charged with keeping the mercurial Uruguayan quiet – no mean feat given the confidence that runs through Suarez’s veins at the moment.

Given the lofty reputations of the individual players, it is fair to build the personal battle up as the Premier League’s best striker against its top defender.
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/12/26/luis-suarez-vs-vincent-kompany-big-reputations-on-the-line/