There is something potentially very exciting and enthralling about this clash on Sunday. Totally unlike the Utd and Everton games where winning seems to be all that matters regardless of what happens with the ball, this week's clash is a football encounter and I don't doubt for a single moment that Anfield will be right up for it.

But then comes the big question: Can Liverpool win? Well of course we can, and after last week's terrific victory at Stamford Bridge, there's a feeling which is in complete contrast to the week before after Swansea and if supporters can feel it, rest assured the players will too. I'd reckon that Melwood will have been buzzing this week and I'd expect to see the Reds go at City from the word go; get them on the back foot so that the adage of starting badly affects them for the full 90 minutes, just like it did last season.

I guess everyone will be intrigued as to Kenny's choice of starting XI, and in particular the dilemma of whether to go with Andy Carroll who had his best game in a Liverpool shirt when scoring twice against City here in April. Horses for courses and all that, but equally how can anyone fail to have been impressed at the balance and effectiveness of the side at Chelsea. Still, what a great dilemma!

No question this is probably Liverpool's biggest challenge to date this season, but City showed their vulnerability in Naples midweek so that any thoughts that they are invincible was well and truly knocked on the head. Mind, they've an impressive league record thus far, failing only to beat Fulham at the Cottage. That said, there is a familiarity about their approach and I suggest they'll endeavour to stand solid during the first 20 minutes or so as Liverpool go for the throat. Can we take advantage and make that pressure tell?

Psychology will undoubtedly play a part here and it's hard not to feel that it would make sense to play the in-form Bellamy against the Club he left under something of a cloud. Then there's the case for goal-hanger Maxi which is indisputable. We've already touched on Carroll.

Most certainly I'll not be even tempted to voice an opinion. Of course, there are times when I'd beg to differ with our beloved king, but realistically, he and Steve Clarke will have been working on this match all week and practising accordingly with City in mind. They'll judge from Melwood sessions, not from the armchair, which team would appear best suited to putting into effect what they want to do.

As for a sixth sense, all I can say is that Kenny's instincts all season have been to retain those who have served him successfully the match before. It hasn't always worked out but there was something more than a touch compulsive about the passing and movement against Chelsea especially first half and, assuming a fit squad, I'd hazard a guess at the same starting eleven.
Mike Hopper