Manchester City v Liverpool match preview

While Mark Hughes has been talking of finding positive messages in this weeks UEFA Cup draw against FC København, there is little disputing that the up and down season of the Citizens has been a disappointment. With a number of points dropped in winnable matches, hopes of securing a European bid need to be put aside and the club must balance its tactical plan for a strong finish run along with planning for the future. This puts the manager in the most difficult of positions because the front office, despite its claim of undying support, will be be pleased with a bottom half of the table finish.

To complicate things further with Saturdays visit of Anfield, Man City must not only put forth a strong performance lest the lynch mob for Mark Hughes will continue to gain support but equally be prepared for next Thursdays clash in the UEFA Cup. This will decide a number of tactical decisions as general poorly levels of conditioning are starting to shine through with the last month of action well below satisfactory work-rate.

For the match, Mark Hughes will have Richard Dunne back from suspension although Shaun Wright-Phillips remains in the sin-bin. Micah Richards, Darius Vassell, Daniel Sturridge and Gelsen Fernandes are all questionable and ultimately the decision will come down to the tactical plan Mark Hughes will utilize. Rafael Benítez has lineup considerations as Liverpool is only four points behind Manchester United but facing Real Madrid on Wednesday in the Champions League. He will be without Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso for the match.

Possibly the most telling of statistics is that excluding West Brom, Fulham and Stoke City, the Citizens are the worst team on the road in the Premier League. As they chart a course for the future this key element must be dealt with.