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.
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.
Video credits to EOTK.
Source: ESPN
Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.
0 comments:
Post a Comment