Kolo: Why Reds can't let Yaya take control
Kolo Toure expects Manchester City to arrive at Anfield firing on all cylinders in search of three points this afternoon – and he believes their main threat will be his younger brother, Yaya.
It was less than a month ago, in early February, that the siblings were celebrating together in Equatorial Guinea, having helped guide the Ivory Coast to glory at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Today they will have their own interests to protect as Liverpool and Manchester City lock horns in the Barclays Premier League.
Victory for Yaya and co would move City to within two points of league leaders, Chelsea, while Kolo's Reds can climb above Southampton and into fifth place with three points in the tie.
"City are a team who want to be champions," Toure told Liverpoolfc.com. "When you want to be champions, you go anywhere and just try to get points, try to be confident and try to be the best team.
"They'll be trying to win, we'll be trying to win, but we'll be playing at home and this could make the difference. Their form has been a bit up and down, but definitely, when they have Yaya on their side, they are a different team.
"He's the one who always wants the ball; he is the one who dictates the game and he's going to be available and, for sure, City are going to be better [with him].
"He just brings confidence to the team. He's a very important player. He shows that on the pitch. He takes responsibility."
Kolo believes his brother's insatiable appetite to take control of possession is the City man's main asset - but insists Liverpool will have a plan to keep him under control this afternoon.
"He likes the ball, he wants the ball, he wants to organise the game, he always wants the ball to help his players," continued Kolo.
"I think he is the one who directs the game. The only thing I can say is that he just takes responsibility, because he is a big player.
"But I think our manager is very intelligent. The few games we have played against City, we have been doing very well. Last season when we played them we won 3-2 at Anfield.
"Yaya played this game and he went off [after 19 minutes due to injury]. He doesn't like to play against Liverpool because we put a lot of pressure [on him]. The only thing we have to do is to put pressure on him and stop letting him turn and face the game."
Kolo stepped up to convert from the penalty spot as he and his brother emerged victorious from a nerve-wracking shootout in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Ghana last month.
It was to be the Liverpool man's final game for his country, while Yaya was the skipper who went up to lift the gleaming trophy.
"When I see him [on Sunday], we'll just remember about the great time we had," said Kolo. "But that will last for a few minutes and then we have to get back to our basics, which is to defend our teams.
"I think we are both looking forward to that - especially me. He's coming to my home, of course. And I will try to give him a hard time, definitely."