The view from City
Manchester City fan Richard Barter provides the view from the Etihad as the league leaders prepare to visit Anfield on Sunday.
How are City fans feeling about a trip to Anfield?
Fair to say we are playing an in-form team at a ground we rarely do well at. Having said that, we hope to see a reaction after Napoli. Blues of a certain age approach this fixture with trepidation. I grew up in Southport and recall a few 4-0 drubbings in the 70s and 80s until the time we beat you 3-1 (1981?). We went home happy that night! Mind you, if memory serves, you went unbeaten after that and won the league.
One song we're bound to hear?
Oh Balotelli
He's a striker
He's good at darts
An allergy to grass but when he plays he's ******* class
Drives around Moss Side with a wallet full o' cash
Best and worst thing about being a City fan?
Best - the self-depreciating humour we've developed over the years. Also, we used to be a team everyone had a soft spot for (with neighbours from hell, of course). Right now is a great time to be a Blue. We're on the verge of a potentially great era.
Worst - since the takeover by Sheikh Mansour, we feel we have to justify support through longevity, ie I am not a bandwagon jumper. Unfortunately the game today is very different and money talks. The likes of Forest and Leeds will not win the Prem again unless taken over by wealthy benefactors. Fans of other clubs need to ask themselves if their club would honestly turn down the kind of takeover we have experienced at Eastlands.
Are you going to win the league?
We'll never have a better chance. Chelsea are rebuilding, Arsenal started slowly and will struggle when RVP gets crocked (as he always does), Liverpool and Spurs are looking good but are not there yet. That just leaves Yoonietid, realistically. They know how to win the league and we hurt them badly the other week (no regrets, mind!). I think we have the squad and collective experience to build on our blistering start. Optimistic, yes, but many teams have blown early season leads and as Franny once famously said, 'If there was a cup for cock-ups, we'd win it every year.' The home derby in late April will be crucial.
Who makes you tick?
David Silva - Merlin just oozes class and is up there with the best. I have to pinch myself every time I see him in a City shirt.
Players you'll be worried about on our side?
Suarez will be a tricky customer and Carroll always does well against City. Bellers may just have a point to prove too if he plays.
Weak links?
Defence gets caught out on high diagonal balls more often than they should. We'll need to stay solid at the back and I anticipate us playing Jimmy Milner, Gaz Baz and Yaya to bolster the back third of the pitch as Liverpool will press the play.
Best way to beat Man City?
Play us in a Champions League fixture!
Prediction?
I'm hoping for a cracker - I see goals in this one. Gut says 2-2.