Someone did not like Liverpool when they were coming up with the away fixtures for the club, Liverpool have played Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester United and now face Manchester City in their next away game.
Jurgen Klopp might have defeated Chelsea three weeks ago, but a 2-1 home loss against Crystal Palace highlighted the amount of work he needs to do if he wants to take Liverpool back into the Champions League next season.
Liverpool are seven points of the fourth position and a positive result in the Etihad stadium would be a bonus for the Reds. Liverpool fans will remember the 3-2 win in the last minute under Rafa Benitez but this Manchester City team is a different animal and with them at the top of the table, the team from Manchester will start as favourites against the Reds.
Manchester City will be hoping that Sergio Aguero and David Silva are fit enough to start, the duo would be a handful for the Liverpool team who themselves have fitness issues for many players. James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Mamadou Sakho are all doubts for the game, though the midfield pair should just about make it to the starting lineup. With Klopp looking to claim another big scalp away from home, we look at what the German needs to do to claim the three points against City.
Start with Lucas and Can in midfield
Manchester City will have a pretty combative midfield and even if Milner and Henderson are fit enough to play, Liverpool should start with Emre Can and Lucas Leiva in the heart of midfield. Both players have been resurgent for the Reds this season and play the kind of full-throttle football that Jurgen Klopp loves and demands.
Lucas and Can will be a formidable partnership that will keep things compact in midfield while they break up the attack of Manchester City. They would need to be at the top of their game if they are to keep City quiet, but this pair is the best option Liverpool have of actually not getting overrun in midfield.