Liverpool and Manchester City meet again at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, with different aims than they did in the same fixture last season. Last April, a Philippe Coutinho goal gave The Reds a 3-2 victory and the upper hand in the title race, however it was City who went on to claim the league. This season however, Liverpool's league aims are just to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, whilst City are behind in the title race once again.

The hosts lie sixth in the league after a tremendous run post January that has seen them become one of the most in-form teams in Europe at the moment. The reason they are only in sixth, is due to a horrendous start to the season that left them 12th in the league and out of the UEFA Champions League. The recent good run has seen them pick up excellent wins against fellow Champions League place contenders Tottenham and Southampton, but it was somewhat soured by a dissapointing Europa League exit at the hands of Turkish side Besiktas midweek.

Manchester City have had an inconsistent season to say the least, with the lowpoint surely being an embarrassing 2-0 FA Cup exit at home to Middlesbrough. Their struggle to maintain form has saw them lose ground in the battle to retain the Premier League title and they find themselves five points behind leaders Chelsea. They also found themselves on the losing side in European competition this week, a double salvo from ex Red Luis Suárez handing Barcelona a 2-1 victory at the Etihad in the UEFA Champions League last 16.

Raheem Sterling is sure to be a key man on Sunday, the explosive winger has two goals in his last three games against Manchester City, and could have had another one if his goal last season in Manchester hadn't been incorrectly ruled out for offside.

If he plays, Stefan Jovetic could prove to be a match-winner for Manchester City due to his excellent goal-scoring record against Liverpool. It stretches back to him scoring against them for Fiorentina as a teenager in the Champions League, and he picked up a brace as City swept Liverpool aside 3-1 at home on Matchweek Two.

Team news:

Coutinho should return to the Liverpool side after being rested for the Besiktas defeat, whilst Jordan Henderson should overcome an ankle knock. Mamadou Sakho has been back in training following a hip problem and could return to the defence. Glen Johnson is likely to return to the squad after an illness. Lazar Markovic, who was suspended midweek, could return to the starting line-up. Captain Steven Gerrard is still out with a hamstring problem, as are Jon Flanagan (knee), Brad Jones (hip), Lucas Leiva (groin) and Jose Enrique (knee).

Manuel Pellegrini has a fully fit squad to choose from for Manchester City, with Wilfried Bony in line to make his first start since his January move from Swansea City. Midfielder Yaya Touré is expected to go straight back into the team after missing the Barcelona game due to a suspension. It is likely that Pellegrini will go for a two striking formation, to try and trouble Liverpool's three man backline.

Last five games:

Liverpool - LWWWW

Manchester City - LWWDD

Match stats:

Manchester City haven't won in their last 11 trips to Anfield.

Liverpool have only won two of their past games against Manchester City.

Liverpool have had 14 different scorers in the Barclays Premier League this season.

David Silva's tally of nine goals is already his highest in one season for City.

Arsenal are the only team to have prevented Manchester City from scoring in their last 23 games.