Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli could return for their Barclays Premier League clash against Liverpool.

The Italian was not risked in the New Year's Day defeat at Sunderland due to a slight ankle problem suffered in training.

With no fresh injury concerns, manager Roberto Mancini has a full-strength squad - aside from the absent Carlos Tevez - and will consider changes for the second of two games in just over two days.

Liverpool frustrated then unbeaten City as they held them to a 1-1 draw at Anfield in November.

Since then Liverpool have had some disappointing results of their own but they impressed in a 3-1 defeat of Newcastle last Friday.

Mancini said: "They are in good form, but all the teams are in good form.

"We are in an unlucky moment, but things can change in two days."But at the same time we need to think positively for the next game and for the future.

"We play again quickly and we should have good concentration for the next game.

"We have 45 points and we have scored 53 goals, and I think we need another 45 points in the second half.''

Striker Luis Suarez is expected to return to Liverpool's squad after suspension.

The Uruguay international served a one-match ban for Friday's win over Newcastle but is likely to be back in the starting line-up for the clash against the Barclays Premier League leaders.

Captain Steven Gerrard, a goalscorer against Newcastle, has made two substitute appearances totalling 52 minutes after two months out with an ankle infection and could be in contention to start.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists super-rich City's super-talented squad hold no fears for his side.

The air of invincibility which has enveloped the Premier League leaders for most of the season has evaporated over the festive period.

City have taken just one point from two matches, during which time they have failed to score against West Brom and Sunderland, who inflicted only their second defeat of the campaign at the Stadium of Light yesterday.

They were second best in their encounter at Anfield in late November but escaped with a 1-1 draw and Dalglish draws confidence from all those factors.

"They are a fantastic side but so are we so we are not going to go there and be scared,'' said the Scot, whose team go into the match on the back of a 3-1 win over Newcastle on Friday.

"It is all well and good saying they have loads of money but they have a good team.

"The money they have everyone else would love to have but unfortunately they don't.

"We will go and play whichever 11 they put on the pitch and it doesn't matter how much they cost.

"But we have the utmost respect for what they have done, we will respect and appreciate their ability.

"They are certainly a really difficult side to play against and we have our work cut out but we will work hard and fingers crossed we will come home with a result.''

Match

Liverpool is allergic to loosing to any top four team from the time of myth and i don't see them crumbling this time around especially now that mancity morale is seemingly low

I wonder when Dalglish will learn. Start Gerrard, Maxi and Bellamy. They're never minus to the team, only plus, especially Maxi. My prefered formation ------- Reina (GK), Agger, Skrtel (CB), Enrique (LB), Johnson (RB) Gerrard (RM), Maxi (LM), Henderson or Spearing, Adams (CM), Suarez, Bellamy(ATT).

Man city are allergic to playing two games in less than a week so I have to go for Liverpool.

Liverpool all the way

Man City all d way. As long Dzeko is dere.

liverpool has just issued a statement saying that they will not appeal luis suarez's 8 match ban which means luis suarez will not be playing tonight.

as we all know the situation on ground , united and chelsea supporters are all rooting for liverpool to win this game , but arsenal fans , who you wish well o

^^^^ hehehe

Game on

prediction: Plus 2 goals difference for man city.

fredoooooo:

as we all know the situation on ground , united and chelsea supporters are all rooting for liverpool to win this game , but arsenal fans , who you wish well o  

i don't know o, me sha i'm supporting the team that favours Arsenal.

Downing WTF

Anybody with good link pls? YNWA!

aAguerooooooo!!!!!!

hahahahaha kim aguero

Reina was a big pant for that goal sha.

all those Spanish keepers get as e be sometimes

It's Man City all the way!!, sowi my ex-dear liverpool u re walking alone this time, Oil money , speaking speaking!!

edoyad:

i don't know o, me sha i'm supporting the team that favours Arsenal.

favour in what way victory to each team make no good to Arsenal

this ref is insane.

I always look forward to seeing Mario,what type of infection does he have sef ?

@Mukina2 who you dey throway your support for o   , city cos of yaya i guess  

fredoooooo:


favour in what way victory to each team make no good to Arsenal

Na which team be threat to my designated fourth place ?

see skertel handball o

mukina2 yaya don score o

edoyad:



Na which team be threat to my designated fourth place ?

so na fourth place una dey fight for , i see Arsenal playing the uefa cup next year ,

Why is it only Arsenal fans like myself are here? Where are the rest fans of other clubs? am beginning to believe that arsenal has more fans in Nigeria than any other club.

Dalglish is just vexing! Just as I said, you don't start Maxi, Gerrard and Bellamy, we're in for a SHOCK!! I'm PISSED!!!

Eiyah! Eiyah!! Eiyah!!!