Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard could miss today's huge game against Manchester City as wellReuters

Following Liverpool's exit from the Europa League, the Reds would be determined to get back to winning ways when they clash with one of the title favourites, Manchester City, at Anfield later on Sunday.

The Citizens will also consider the Anfield game crucial, as a victory against Brendan Rodgers' side would increase the pressure on Chelsea, who are leading the title race. A win would enable Manuel Pellegrini's men to close the gap to within two points.

For Brendan Rodgers, a victory would help the team to inch closer to the Champions League spot, which looked highly unlikely initially after their disastrous start to the competition.

But things are looking up for the Reds of late. Liverpool have won five of their last six matches in the league and drawn one, while Man City have witnessed a slump in form with one loss, three draws and only two wins in their last six fixtures.

The Citizens however would be a confident lot when they travel to Anfield following their 5-0 thrashing of Newcastle; they also defeated Stoke 4-1 prior to the Magpies game.

Anfield has not been a happy hunting ground for City, as their last victory in Reds' backyard came in 2003.

But then Liverpool might be suffering from fatigue after coming up second best against Besiktas on Thursday, in a game which went to penalties. City on the other hand would be relatively fresh for the clash.

"Of course it is an advantage but not a decisive one because I always think the decisive thing is the performance on the day of the game," said Pellegrini, as quoted in EPL's official website.

"But I have played in the Europa League and when you arrive on Friday it is not the best way to prepare for a game on Sunday, but that is the rules."

Pellegrini is aware of the threat at Anfield as the Reds have always been hard to beat at home.

"We must play very good because they also have a strong squad. I don't think they will play the same starting XI as yesterday night."

Players such as Phillipe Coutinho and Lazar Markovic could come back into the Liverpool side, but Brendan Rodgers might be breaking sweat over the fitness of captain Steven Gerrard and vice-captain Jordan Henderson, whose fitness still remains a cause for concern.

But as far as City are concerned, they do not have any fitness worries as they travel to Anfield.

Liverpool would take inspiration from their game last season at Anfield against City, where they won 3-2.

Where to Watch Live

The game is set to begin at 7:00 am ET (5:30pm IST, 12:00 pm GMT) with live coverage in India on Star Sports 2.

Viewers in India can also catch the entire match via live streaming online on Starsports.com.

Viewers in the US can catch the action live in the US on NBC Sports, while the game can also be live-streamed online on NBC Sports Extra; residents of UK can catch the game live on Sky Sports 1/HD with the live streaming option on Sky Go.

Football fans across Indonesia and Philippines can watch it live on beIN Sports 3 Premier League HD, while the Malaysian viewers can catch the action on Astro Supersport.

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