'This will be a new experience for City'

The Istanbul hero knows from his own experience of playing in front of the Kop just how effective an inspiration the crowd can be for the players when they have support from the club's famous 12th man.

"The Anfield crowd is a huge factor for Liverpool," Hamann told Liverpoolfc.com. "I think in the past, games have been won in the tunnel when then opposition hears 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.

"Even though Manchester City are a very experienced side, some of their players will not have experienced an atmosphere like the one they are going to face on Sunday.

"Liverpool are a team in form, winning nine out of nine, so the crowd has got a huge part to play as always on Sunday."

The weekend clash brings together the Barclays Premier League's two free-scoring teams, with 90 and 84 goals for the Reds and City respectively.

Former midfielder Hamann expects a closer contest than those statistics would predict, however, believing that the odd goal could decide the outcome.

The German added: "We know this is a meeting between the two highest goalscorers in the league, so there is the potential for a lot of goals, but it doesn't always work out like that.

"I wouldn't be at all surprised if it was a low-scoring game and the game is won by the odd goal. Liverpool were very unfortunate to lose 2-1 at City over Christmas and they will go into this game with a lot of confidence.

"I believe this is a huge chance for Liverpool and psychologically it would be a massive three points if they can get it. City would be happy with a draw so Liverpool could do with the three points.

"Liverpool have been outstanding all season, a joy to watch and very consistent, especially in the last few weeks and to win nine out of nine in the Premier League is a tremendous feat."

Hamann considers a big factor behind Liverpool's outstanding form this term to have been the collective contribution from the whole team.

"We know about the wonderful efforts of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, but for me Raheem Sterling is in tremendous form and carries a real threat," he explained.

"I also don't think the defence gets enough credit as I think the back-line has been very good."

During last weekend's narrow 2-1 win at West Ham United, Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard cited the second-half display of substitute Lucas Leiva as a pivotal turning point.

As a one-time midfield enforcer himself, Hamann predicts that the likes of Lucas and Joe Allen will have a big part to play between now and the end of the campaign.

He said: "You need all of the players in your squad to contribute and you saw at West Ham what a good job Lucas did when he came on.

"There might be a situation when you need something different tactically and Lucas and Allen are a key part of the squad.

"Lucas has been really unlucky with injuries in the last couple of years but he is a tremendous player for Liverpool and hopefully he will be for a few more years to come."

A key element of Sunday's encounter may be the central duel between Premier League giants Gerrard and Yaya Toure - and Hamann has backed his good friend to contain the threat of the former Barcelona star.

He said: "Yaya Toure has scored a lot of goals - mostly from penalties and free-kicks - and going forward he is a big threat.

"Stevie will probably be the one in the deep role keeping an eye on him but the way he has been playing, I have no doubt he will be able to handle that threat."