Liverpool host Manchester City in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off at Anfield hoping to put their torrid run of form behind them with a victory over Mark Hughes’ men.

Saturday’s early kick-off certainly has a heavyweight feel to it.

Perhaps it is the exact game Rafa Benitez’s men needed after their simply horrendous run of form which has seen them win only once in seven matches.

The Reds currently lie seventh in the table, a massive 11 points off table-toppers Chelsea, and heading into a week which could define their whole season. Coach Benitez will be desperate for his men pull out all the stops and repeat their recent over City's Manchester neighbours.

That 2-0 for The Reds over champions Manchester United last month, was supposed to have ushered in a turn of fortunes, yet it wasn’t to be and elimination from the Carling Cup at the hands of Arsenal would follow. Now also the club face seemingl certain elimination in the UEFA Champions League, and it's all looking rather desperate on Merseyside.

A fortunate 2-2 draw - courtesy of striker David Ngog’s controversial dive that earned his team a penalty - with Birmingham City prior to the international break confirmed that things are very much out of sorts at Anfield

Manchester City will be determined to steal the three points today in a bid to reaffirm their top-four credentials this season.

With news that striker Robinho could be handed a place on the substitutes benc after a long lay off, coach Mark Hughes will be seeking to end a run of five consecutive draws on Saturday as the Citizens seek their first win at Anfield in six years.

Team News:

Liverpool welcome back skipper and captain Steven Gerrard who confirmed midweek that he is ready for first team action.

Defender Jamie Carragher is also back from the ban he received after being sent off against Fulham, whilst new summer signing Alberto Aquilani could finally be handed a starting berth.

Mercurial striker Fernando Torres is out with a groin injury, so Frenchman David Ngog will deputise.

Manchester City could welcome back Robinho to first team action, although coach Mark Hughes is more likely to use the Brazilian as a substitute.

Emmanuel Adebaoyr and Craig Bellamy are expected to take the reigns upfront despite the latter missing Wales’ 3-0 demolition of Scotland last weekend.

Probable Starting XIs; Star Man:

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Mascherano, Lucas, Aurelio, Gerrard, Ngog.

Man City (4-3-3): Given, Zabaleta, Lescott, Toure, Bridge, Wright-Phillips, Barry, De Jong, Bellamy, Tevez, Adebayor.

ExtraFootie's Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City. Two sides in a poor run of form and with both looking very vulnerable at the back, it all points to a potentially thrilling, high-scoring draw.