Liverpool can match Manchester City insists Jordan Henderson

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Midfielder Jordan Henderson believes Liverpool can be more than a match for Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester City tonight.

Roberto Mancini's side may have failed to score in their last two matches against West Brom and Sunderland, taking just one point in the process, but they have a 100% record from nine league games at the Etihad Stadium.

They were second best in the 1-1 draw at Anfield in November and Henderson believes the Reds, who have lost just once in 17 matches, should take encouragement from that.

"I don't think they are leagues ahead of us," said the England Under-21 international.

"They have some outstanding players and are a good team but we have some great players here as well so we will go there and put up a good fight.

"We are on the right path and we just need to keep playing the way we are - even against the likes of City.

"We know they are a good team but so are we and we need to just go there, play our own game."

Liverpool beat Newcastle 3-1 on Friday in their highest-scoring victory since beating Bolton by a similar scoreline in late August.

That was achieved without arguably their two best players in 2011 in Luis Suarez, who served a one-match suspension, and defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva, who is out for the season after knee surgery.

Henderson said that shows how strong the Liverpool squad is.

"Obviously Luis and Lucas are massive players for us," he added.

"It is a massive shame Lucas can't play for us but I think we have a good enough squad to go out there and win games like we showed against Newcastle."

Captain Steven Gerrard scored against Newcastle in only his second appearance in two months after an ankle infection and considering the impact of his 31-minute cameo there may be a temptation for manager Kenny Dalglish to start him against City despite his lack of match fitness.

Henderson and Glen Johnson have spoken of the inspirational effect Gerrard has on the team but Dalglish insisted it would be wrong just to focus on the England midfielder.

"Every player we value; they are very important to us and we respect everything they do for the club," said the Scot.

"Some may get more credit than others, some may get more stick but they all put in a good shift and we are delighted with their efforts - especially the first part of this season."

PA