'Scousers with belief is something to fear'

Well, Joe, it's time for the big one. How are the nerves?

In tatters! I never look forward to facing Liverpool but this season I have more reasons not to. Whoever wins this game will more than likely win the league, in my eyes. The realisation of that doesn't do a great deal for the nerves.

What's the feeling amongst City fans ahead of the match?

To be honest I think it's a mixed bag. We have no reason to go into the game with any anxiety. We've been winning games without getting out of second gear recently, albeit against inferior opposition. Our much maligned defence (Demichelis) has been playing *well* (jinx) and we've only conceded two in our last six league games. That said, it wouldn't be City if the fans were going into the game full of confidence, it's not in our nature. The one thing our travelling fans have to make sure is that our nerves don't transcend onto the pitch and the players, which has often been our downfall at Anfield over recent years

What are your thoughts on the part the Anfield crowd can potentially play in this clash?

Huge. Having watched your recent games, your fans are starting to believe. There is nothing more dangerous than a Scouser with confidence and belief. That confidence is often lacking from City fans, and if your fans are up for it as much as I think you will be then, I think it will be a hectic first 10 minutes of the game. More importantly, there is the element of it being the Hillsborough anniversary, which adds a sense of emotion that is missing from other football matches throughout the season. We played Manchester United in similar circumstances a few years back, on the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster, and both sets of fans came out of it with nothing but respect for one another and were a credit to the city. I hope the same can be said today.

How will Manuel Pellegrini set up for this one?

To win. He knows no other way to set up his teams. If we sit back, like United did against you, then we're inviting pressure. We have to take the game to you and silence your fans, and give ours something to ease their anxiety.

Who's going to win this game for Manchester City?

David Silva. The guy is a magician. He's come into a purple patch recently and has been playing better than he ever has for City. Everyone will talk about Yaya Toure because of the goals he scored, but he wouldn't have had half of them if it wasn't for Silva. Sergio Aguero coming back is a massive boost, but I don't believe he'll start and will only come on if we need a goal.

What's your opinion on Liverpool this season?

In all honesty, I don't think anyone would've predicted this at the start of the season. I also think there was a feeling of relief when you dropped away over the festive period, and thought it was left to Chelsea and City to fight it out. It's an absolute credit to the club that you didn't fade away like many other teams would.

What's impressed you most about the Reds?

The best team I've seen at our place in the league this season is Liverpool. The philosophy of the team is a breath of fresh air and it seems that everyone at the club is a believer in it. Although it's been the undoing of your team in a few matches, no-one panics and everyone keeps at it. Steven Gerrard looks like a player reborn and players who have been criticised in the past are starting to get the plaudits, Jordan Henderson to think of one. Like City, you're constantly looking to get goals, despite what the score is. Tomorrow could be, and likely will be, a rugby score.

Prediction?

Can I say 10 - 10?