Manchester City vs Liverpool preview: Raheem Sterling faces hostile reception as he takes on former club for first time

A look ahead to this weekend’s Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium

Manchester City congratulate Raheem Sterling for scoring against Bournemouth (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

RAHEEM STERLING: Bound to get a hostile reception from the Liverpool faithful, the former Reds winger is due to lock horns with his old club for the first time. Claims that he wouldn’t be able to cope with the step-up has fallen on deaf ears as he has scored six goals in all competitions and has got three assists to his name.

Often wasteful in shooting opportunities, Liverpool will have to have an approach to deal with the skilful and pacey wide man, otherwise his name could be in headlines come the final whistle.

Key stats…

• Manchester City have won four and lost none of their last six Barclays Premier League matches against Liverpool at the Etihad
• The Reds have scored just 13 league goals this term, their joint-lowest tally in a BPL campaign after 12 matches
• Philippe Coutinho has scored three goals in four league appearances against Man City
• Manchester City have created a joint league high of 221 chances this season
• Man City have scored at least 2 goals in 12 of their last 13 home matches in the Premier League

Remember when…

These two sides met in the 2008/09 campaign. One of the best comebacks of the season unfolded in the first match, and no surprise that it was Liverpool who celebrating come the final whistle.

Trailing at half time 2-0, a Fernando Torres brace and an injury time winner from Dirk Kuyt secured the three points as Liverpool kept up the pace at the top of the league. They ultimately fell short and finished as runners up.

Player to watch…

PHILIPPE COUTINHO: Often a thorn in Manchester City’s side, the Brazilian playmaker has been in inspired form in the last few games. Chipping in with four goals and two assists in the league this season, the 23 year old has been a standout player for the Reds, and goes into this weekend’s tie oozing with confidence.

Supremely talented and one of the most technically gifted players in the league, he can pick apart Manchester City if he’s at the top of his game.

Past three meetings…

Liverpool 2 (Henderson, Coutinho) Manchester City 1 (Dzeko)
Barclays Premier League, March 2015

Manchester City 3 (Jovetic 2, Aguero) Liverpool 1 (Zabaleta OG)
Barclays Premier League, August 2014

Liverpool 3 (Sterling, Skrtel, Coutinho), Manchester City (Silva, Johnson OG)
Barclays Premier League, April 2014

Form guide

Manchester City: DWWWDW

Liverpool: LWWWDD

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 17.30pm, Saturday 21 November

TV: Sky Sports 1 HD, coverage starts from 17.00pm