Anfield Focus: Anfield update

Tuesday 5 September 2017

Anfield update

It’s a pity Sterling won't play for Man City in Liverpool Showdown - John Aldridge

Publish 05-09-2017 By Yayo

Sterling of man city.......

City host Liverpool at the Etihad on Saturday (12:30pm), and the visitors will be in a buoyant mood after their 4-0 thrashing of Arsenal prior to the international break.

Sterling won’t be available to face his former side as he is serving a one-match suspension for the red card he picked up in City’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth last month.

And Aldridge thinks it’s a shame as Liverpool don’t usually have a problem shackling him when he faces them.

“One player who won't be playing is Raheem Sterling, mind you. He's suspended after that red card against Bournemouth,” Aldridge told the Liverpool Echo.

I must admit, that's a bit of a pity. For whatever reason, he just doesn't flourish against his former side

John Aldridge

“I must admit, that's a bit of a pity. For whatever reason, he just doesn't flourish against his former side, and we usually keep him very, very quiet.

“Whoever they do play up front will be a threat but let me tell you, they won't relish coming up against Liverpool either.

“That front three in particular – Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah – is enough to panic any defence, let alone one as shaky as City’s.”

And Aldridge believes City’s style will benefit the Reds.

He added: “The way they play football is a little like Arsenal which normally – normally – suits us going forward.

“We can capitalise on that, for sure. If they go with three at the back, well, we definitely have a chance.

“I don't want to tempt fate but it leaves us with so much space down the wide positions and the pace on the wing will have them worried, especially if their full backs are pushing on.

“Arsenal had to change to a back four because of Salah and Mane wrecking havoc. Let's hope Pep Guardiola is forced into a similar change!”