'Last year proved it's not impossible'
Jonjo Shelvey has urged Liverpool to take inspiration from their Carling Cup semi-final win at the Etihad in January 2012 when they travel to the home of the champions of England on Sunday.
Steven Gerrard's penalty sealed victory on that day after a determined performance saw the Reds take a crucial lead back to Anfield for the second leg - an advantage they would maintain to progress to Wembley.
Earlier in the 2012-13 season the two sides played out a close-fought 2-2 draw at Anfield as Shelvey took to the field to replace Lucas Leiva after just four minutes of play.
And Shelvey called for the Reds to replicate their recent performances when they walk out at the Etihad.
"The semi-final win shows it can be done and hopefully we'll be able to do it again," Shelvey told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I think we should have won [in August]. We had enough chances to win.
"Man City are a good team, they are the champions of England, so you have got to remember that. But if we go there and play the way we did at Anfield, then we will get something from the game.
"When you play against top, top players, you learn an awful lot. You want to prove to those players, some of whom are among the best in the world, that you are good enough to play at this level and I managed to do that on the day.
"But I'm not in the team at the moment so the main thing is, if I do get involved and get a bit of time on the pitch, then I'll have to show that again."
One such world-class player, Yaya Toure, reflected on the 2-2 draw by labelling the game one of the toughest he has played in.
However, the powerful midfielder is unavailable for selection on Sunday as he is competing in the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.
"I think it's a big loss for City," said Shelvey. "Over the last couple of years, when he has left for the tournament, they have struggled a little without him.
"He gives them that power in the midfield and is someone who will drive them on with the ball. But, even if he was playing, I think we would be confident of going in there and getting something from the game."
If the Reds are to come away from Manchester with the three points at the weekend they'll have to first figure out a way of beating City's formidable stopper Joe Hart.
"He's a great 'keeper," said Shelvey. "I didn't realise how good he was until I went to train with England and I saw him in the shooting practices and things like that - he was pulling off some worldy saves.
"So it will be tough but I think with our strike power, in Suarez and Sturridge, we can go and get three points."