They
say if you work hard and play by the rules, you can cross the winning line
first. Both of these teams fought till their last breath last season and after
facing several turn-moils over a fiery, hard-fought battle it was the team from
Manchester who had the last laugh. After staging an imported, world class team
in their ranks Manchester City felt they deserved to win however they were
brought down to their knees till a thoroughly debated and argued Steven Gerrard
slip made them dream and they never looked back. On the other side of the hill,
Liverpool were thoroughly bruised and battered however a £100million injection
into their squad will try hard to make them dream again this year.
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When
Liverpool will face the Citizens on Monday, they might have confirmed the signing
of former City striker Balotelli but most importantly, they have got Lazar Markovic back from
the sidelines and the Spaniard Alberto Moreno might well start for the Reds. So
keeping in mind the team that played against City last December at the Etihad,
there are likely two new players in Moreno and Dejan Lovren to feature against the defending Champions.
On
the other hand, Manuel Pellegrini unlike his predecessor Roberto Mancini decided not to rest
on his laurels as he witnessed the Italian’s fate, one year after ending a 40
year title draught in the 2011-12 season. Fernando and Eliaquim Mangala are the new
signings that are likely to start for the reigning Champions and much to the
distress of England Number one Joe Hart, Willy Caballero will be watching
closely from the sidelines should he make a mistake.
One
thing Liverpool fans will be ruing going into this game is the UNDER-DOG tag
they will be wearing all season all season from now and most importantly going
into the game against the Champions. After coming 2nd last season and being 1 of
the 5 teams in Europe having scored a century of goals, Brendon Rodgers’ side
might have deserved a bigger reception going into this game of thrones where
only the winner will be cherished keeping in mind the transfer both these teams
have done.
Manchester
City on the other hand, will have one eye on throne even at the start of the
season as they have probably the best and most importantly striker force in the
League. What was bettered last season by a certain Sergio Aguero injury and SAS
glittering on the English Premier League sky, Manchester City have now both Eden Dzeko and Aguero in one of the most settled strike force in the League. When
you got such a settled lineup where every position has been contended for by two World Class players which is definitely aligned with the policy of Sheikh
Mansour ownership, City fans are definitely justified going into this match as
favorites.
So
when the first whistle will be blown at the Etihad and 22 players will be going
for glory, this match might become the most heated fixture these two sides have
in ever been, as both of these sides have tasted last season that how a bigger
threat they could be to each-others’ hopes going for glory.
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