Good morning! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's early Premier League kickoff, and what a cracker it is! Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield in a meeting of last season's top two, with both sides in desperate need of a victory to help them towards their respective goals for this season. Both will need to bounce back from midweek defeats, however, so it should be an interesting encounter today. Let's start with a look at the hosts...

Liverpool have established themselves as genuine top-four contenders again over the last couple of months, but they come into this match knowing now for the first time that breaking into those Champions League places is their only chance of featuring in Europe's premier competition next season. The Europa League route was closed on Thursday, and now Rodgers can focus on pipping the likes of Arsenal, Southampton, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to a spot in the top four.

Doing so would make it a successful campaign for Brendan Rodgers side, even if many expected them to fare a little better following the last campaign. Considering the start they made to this term, rescuing a Champions League place would be some feat, while they also have the FA Cup as a realistic chance of picking up silverware. With a number of favourites already having been knocked out of the competition and Manchester United taking on Arsenal in the quarters, it has really opened up for the Reds, who face Blackburn Rovers in the last eight next weekend.

Credit must go to Rodgers for turning their season around, but a small part of him must been wondering what might have been. A tweak in formation has been the answer for Liverpool since their defeat to Manchester United in December, while the return of Daniel Sturridge has also helped matters. Liverpool now come into this match as the form team in the Premier League, having picked up 17 points in 2015 so far - two more than any other team. They are also the only unbeaten team in the top flight so far this calendar year.

Indeed, it is now 10 matches since Liverpool last lost in the Premier League, a run that stretches all the way back to December 14. Defeats to Chelsea in extra time and Besiktas via penalties have come in cup competitions, but on the whole Liverpool have been in fine form since the 3-0 loss at Old Trafford and Rodgers's switch of formation. They have won seven of the 10 league games since, while in all competitions they have won six of their last eight matches.

Liverpool's improvement can perhaps best be summed up by the fact that they have amassed more points in their last nine Premier League games (23) than they did in their opening 17 (22). They have kept that run going despite being in the midst of a difficult run of fixtures, dropping just two points in their most recent four matches, which have come against West Ham, Everton, Tottenham and Southampton.

All three of Liverpool's most recent defeats have come on the road, with their unbeaten streak at Anfield now stretching to 11 matches. Their last loss here came on November 8, while only Real Madrid and Chelsea have left Anfield as a visiting team with a victory since September. Aston Villa are the only other visiting team to have won here this season, although Liverpool have often been forced to settle for a solitary point. They have drawn six of their last 11 home matches, but have won their last three and kept three clean sheets in their last four.

Perhaps the biggest concern for Rodgers now will be fatigue amongst his squad. The lack of Europa League football from now on does provide fewer games, which is a silver lining from their exit, but today's game is likely to be affected by the Reds being taken all the way to penalties in Turkey. The team looked tired as it was out in Istanbul, and having the early kickoff today, in addition to their travelling and 120 minutes of football, will surely have an impact.

Manchester City were also in midweek action, of course, but they have had an extra couple of days' rest and were at home when they took on Barcelona. Perhaps just as importantly, the match ended on a high for City as Joe Hart's late penalty save from Lionel Messi just about kept his side in the tie. City put in an encouraging second-half performance at the Etihad, but they were swept aside in the opening 45 minutes and have a mountain to climb back at the Camp Nou now.

They can't afford to have one eye on their visit to Catalonia, however, as this match gives them a chance to attend to important Premier League business. With Chelsea in League Cup final action against Tottenham later today, City have the chance to cut the gap at the top to just two points once again. Many thought it would be a big ask for City to reduce a seven-point deficit having already come back from nine behind once this season, but the champions are refusing to give up the chase and would put plenty of pressure on Jose Mourinho's side with a victory at Anfield.

Liverpool would move level on points with fourth place with a victory, for a few hours at least, so City will know that the Reds have just as much at stake as they do today. They will have to be up for the match and show the sort of form that they have done in their last two Premier League outings. A shaky run of form was emphatically ended by a 4-1 victory over Stoke City at the Britannia, while Manuel Pellegrini's men were at their brilliant best in hammering Newcastle 5-0 last weekend.

That extended their recent run in the Premier League to just one defeat in their last 17 matches, a streak that has also seen them pick up 11 victories and five draws. However, aside from their most recent two league games, they haven't been entirely convincing since the turn of the year. The victories over Stoke and Newcastle are their only two in their last eight outings in all competitions, a run that includes a five-match winless streak and exit from the FA Cup.

Interestingly, City have actually been better away from home than they have at the Etihad this season - usually such a fortress for them. They have picked up 28 points on their travels compared to 27 in front of their own fans, while their tally of 30 away goals in also the highest in the division.

They are now unbeaten in their last nine away games in all competitions, while defeat to West Ham United in October is their solitary league loss on their travels all season. Indeed, that is their only away defeat since their last visit to Anfield, when Philippe Coutinho scored the decisive goal in a pulsating 3-2 victory for the Reds. Bayern Munich are the only other team to have beaten City while playing at home in the current campaign.

City certainly have the firepower at their disposal to cause any team in the league problems, with Arsenal the only side in the last 23 Premier League matches to prevent the champions from scoring. They are also the league's joint-highest scorers with 56, and any goal today would take them above Chelsea in that chart.

TEAM NEWS: The teams are in for both sides and the headline news for the hosts is that Sturridge is only named on the bench, alongside fellow Man City old boy Balotelli. Sterling starts up front, with Lallana and Coutinho both coming in behind him. Henderson also returns to the fold, while Markovic replaces Ibe at right wing-back. City also make four changes to their side, with Kolarov, Mangala, Toure and Fernandinho all coming into the XI. Bony once again has to make do with a place on the bench as Pellegrini persists with Dzeko alongside Aguero. Full teams for both sides coming right up...

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Lovren; Henderson, Allen, Moreno, Markovic; Lallana, Coutinho, Sterling

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ward, Toure, Lambert, Sturridge, Borini, Balotelli, Williams

MAN CITY STARTING XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Mangala, Kompany, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Toure, Silva, Nasri; Dzeko, Aguero

MAN CITY SUBS: Caballero, Demichelis, Clichy, Lampard, Bony, Milner, Fernando

What can we make of those two teams, then? Well, it is something of a surprise to see Sturridge dropped to the bench for such a big game despite his recent return from injury. Rodgers has been very cautious with the striker, easing him back in following a long spell on the sidelines, and having been taken to extra time in midweek the Liverpool boss clearly feels that another game here would be a big ask for the former Man City man. It is a blow for Sturridge, but he will still be a danger off the bench should Liverpool need a goal.

Less of a surprise is Balotelli's place on the bench, with the striker having made a rare start in midweek. He has been a decent impact sub in recent weeks and will hope to make a difference against his former club if given the chance today, but it is Sterling who gets the job from the start this time around. The youngster has performed well in a central attacking role this season and, while his finish perhaps still leaves something to be desired, his pace and trickery are likely to cause Kompany and Mangala problems today.

© Getty Images

Behind him, Coutinho starts having been rested against Besiktas, with the Brazilian showing some fine form over the last few months. He has faded a little in recent weeks, but showed everyone what he can do with a worldie against Southampton last weekend. He and Lallana will look to provide ammo for Sterling, and behind them there is a return to the side for Henderson, who missed out on Thursday with a minor ankle problem. There is still no Gerrard in the middle of the park, however, as he continues to struggle with a hamstring injury.

Markovic is another Liverpool change as he replaces Ibe, who drops out of the squad completely. Henderson's return means that Can drops back into the defensive trio alongside Skrtel and Lovren, who retains his place despite missing the decisive penalty against Besiktas on Thursday. Toure drops out of the side to the bench, while Mignolet will be looking to continue his recent personal revival in between the sticks.

As for City, Manuel Pellegrini has reverted to the same XI that performed so well against Newcastle, which means another start for Dzeko. The striker was superb against the Magpies, picking up a splendid goal, and assist and winning the early penalty for his side, but he was guilty of squandering a couple of chances against Barcelona in midweek. Bony watches on from the sidelines as he still awaits his full debut for the club.

© Getty Images

Predictably, Aguero was the man who got a quite brilliant reply against Barcelona, and the Argentine will once again be the main danger for Liverpool today. Toure will be another threat as he returns to the side having missed the Barca game through suspension, while Fernandinho also comes into the starting XI. Silva, who himself was instrumental against Newcastle with an assist and two goals, has found the net nine times in the league this season - already his best tally since moving to England.

There are two more changes at the back for City as Mangala replaces Demichelis and Kolarov comes in for Clichy, who was sent off for two bookable offences against Barcelona on Tuesday. Hart continues in goal having denied Messi at the death in that match, while Kompany will be looking to silence his recent critics from the heart of the defence. Zabaleta also starts having scored an own goal in the reverse fixture.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes away from kickoff at Anfield, which means that it is time for a prediction! This really is a tricky one to call, with Liverpool in fine domestic form and City having returned to their best in recent Premier League games. Both sides would get a massive boost from a victory and it really could go either way. I'm going to sit on the fence and call it down the middle, though - 2-2 for me!

Our resident Sports Mole sofa pundits disagree and are both plumping for a narrow Manchester City victory. Find out what they had to say about this mouth-watering fixture in our video preview below:

Perhaps they weren't aware of City's record at Anfield? The champions have not won here in their last 12 visits in all competitions - 11 of which have come in the Premier League. Indeed, following their victory at the Britannia a couple of weeks ago, this is now the only Premier League ground where City haven't won since being taken over by Sheikh Mansour in 2008. Their last win came all the way back in 2003, when Nicolas Anelka scored twice in a come-from-behind 2-1 victory. Looking even further back, City have won just one of their last 26 visits and only two of their last 46, going back to 1956.

Wins have been hard to come by for City here, then, but goals haven't been in short supply in this fixture. The Citizens have scored two of more goals in each of their last six Premier League games against Liverpool, while there have been 20 overall in the last six meetings. That includes a 3-1 win for City at the Etihad earlier this season and Liverpool's thrilling 3-2 victory in the corresponding fixture last term.

We're just minutes away from kickoff on Merseyside now. This really is such a big game for both sides, with Liverpool looking to move level with Arsenal in fourth for a few hours as least and City looking to close the gap on Chelsea to two points. There isn't quite as much at stake as there seemed to be last season when both were gunning for the title, but there is still plenty on offer today.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! Liverpool get us underway for this massive clash between last season's top two. Who will come out on top at Anfield?

Bright start from City as they see plenty of the ball early on. Dzeko produces a lovely turn on the edge of the box before playing the ball through for Aguero, but the flag is up against the Argentine when he looked to be in on goal.

Both sides are just trying to suss each other out in these opening stages. The visitors have seen more of the ball, with Liverpool struggling to keep hold of it for any sustained period of time right now.

There have been one or two slightly nervy moments at the back for Liverpool so far. The Reds have been much better defensively in recent weeks, but this City attack will be ready to pounce on any mistakes.

CHANCE! The first chance of the match falls to Liverpool as Coutinho threads a nice pass through to Lallana, who finds space in midfield to drive forward. Kolarov comes across to put him under pressure, and Lallana can only poke his effort towards goal, allowing Hart to make the save.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Liverpool have the ball in the back of the net, but the linesman's flag is immediately up. It was a superb finish from Lallana, who killed Coutinho's ball with a brilliant touch before flicking it in from an impossible angle. It won't count, though.

First blood goes to Liverpool, and what a goal it is from Henderson! It is poor from Kompany as he loses out to Coutinho in midfield. The Brazilian and Sterling combine to find Henderson, who cuts inside before thumping a magnificent effort into the top corner from 20 yards. Hart had no chance there. Kompany is at fault for the original mistake, but take nothing away from that finish. Incredible.

OFF THE POST! City are inches away from pulling a goal back straight away! A long ball over the top causes confusion in the Liverpool defence as Mignolet starts to come but hesitates then eventually chooses to stay in no man's land. Aguero flicks a clever effort towards the far corner and is so unlucky to see it come back off the post. At the other end, Coutinho lets fly from range, but his strike flies a couple of yards over.

What a start it has been to this match. Liverpool began relatively slowly, but they have really upped the tempo in the last 10 minutes or so. They are closing down quickly and high up the field, while City are also looking dangerous whenever they come forward. Both defences are looking shaky too, which is making for a thoroughly entertaining spectacle.

The pace of the game has just dropped a little in the last couple of minutes following a frenetic period. Rodgers have told his side to calm down a bit and keep things tight for a while as they look to establish their lead in the game.

City's defence really does look flimsy at the moment. They are losing most of the 50-50s, and they are usually ones you'd expect them to win. Kompany, for example, lost out to Coutinho in the build-up to the goal when you'd expect the skipper at his best to completely take control of the situation. That just hasn't happened here.

Most of Liverpool's best moments in this match have come down their left, and they attack down that side again here. Moreno runs at Zabaleta and makes it into the box before cutting inside, but his right-footed effort is horribly sliced and ends up closer to the corner flag.

Another really good attack from Liverpool down the left as Coutinho pings a lovely pass down the channel with the outside of his foot. Sterling lines up Mangala and beats the centre-back with some nifty footwork before playing a low ball right across the six-yard box. There are no red shirts waiting for a simple tap-in, however.

Henderson's goal separates the sides midway through this first half, and dare I say it was reminiscent of a certain Steven Gerrard? It was a special strike, and here is the stand-in skipper celebrating the only goal of the game so far:

© Getty Images

City have their equaliser, and it is Dzeko who scores for the second Premier League game in succession. It is wonderful build-up play as Silva finds Aguero, who snakes across the edge of the box before disguising a brilliant reverse pass in to Dzeko. That takes all of the defenders out of the game and Dzeko only has Mignolet to beat, sweeping his finish beyond the keeper. Mignolet got something on it, but couldn't keep it out.

That goal is a huge boost for City. They were looking dangerous when coming forward but had only really created one decent chance before Aguero's magical pass to release Dzeko. This match is beautifully set up now.

Zabaleta is having real trouble keeping things tight down his side of the field. All of Liverpool's threatening moments are coming down their left, with Moreno fancying his chances against the Argentine full-back.

Dzeko tries to match Henderson's earlier strike with his own effort from distance. However, he lashes a powerful shot high and wide of the target as a decent attacking platform goes to waste.

Silva is beginning to see a bit more of the ball for City, which can not be a good thing for Liverpool. The Spaniard was involved in his side's goal and is increasingly pulling the strings here as City continue to look dangerous coming forward.

CHANCE! Big chance for Liverpool to regain the lead! It is lovely play from Markovic as he chips a fine ball over the defence for Lallana, who takes the effort first time on the volley. He steers it towards the far post, but it goes a couple of yards wide of the target with Hart beaten.

Almost a nervy moment for Mignolet as Nasri's ball over the top draws the keeper right out onto the edge of his own box. It looks for a moment like he might be forced out of the area, but he takes a step back to collect the pass a yard inside.

Both defences seem to have settled into the match a bit more now. They are looking for solid since the goals went in, but you still feel that we haven't seen the last of the action in this one. I would be surprised if it finished 1-1.

Dzeko looks to be through on goal again as Toure lifts a pass over the top for the goalscorer. He draws a decent stop from Mignolet at the near post, but it wouldn't have counted anyway as the flag was up. That was a tight one.

SAVE! Coutinho tries a another long-distance effort following his goal against Southampton last weekend, but this one if straightforward for Hart. The Brazilian catches his strike sweetly and it swerves a bit, but Hart is right behind it and holds on.

The fourth official indicates a minimum of one minute added time.

CHANCE! A late chance for Liverpool as they work the ball from a throw-in into the box. A clever flick sees Sterling receive the ball in space inside the penalty area, but he can't get the shot away in time and City survive.

Another pulsating 45 minutes of action between these two sides comes to an end and it is all square at the break between Liverpool and Manchester City. The first half was played at a really good pace from both sides and there were plenty of threatening moments at either end of the field. We are set up very nicely for the next 45 minutes!

It was the hosts who took the lead after just 11 minutes as Henderson rifled home a superb strike from 20 yards to break the deadlock. Coutinho and Sterling were involved in the build-up as they found the skipper, who made a yard on his right foot before driving a powerful, curling shot right into the top corner. Kompany's error allowed Liverpool to launch the attack, but take nothing away from Henderson's spectacular finish.

City were back level less than 15 minutes later, however, and while the Liverpool goal was all about an individual, City's was a superb team goal. Silva picked up the ball in midfield before finding Aguero, who disguised a superb reverse pass in for Dzeko, taking the entire defence out of the game. Dzeko found himself through on goal and duly applied the finish from inside the area.

The visitors also came within inches of getting an immediate response having gone behind, with Aguero hitting the post moments later. A long ball over the top set the Argentine through on goal, with Mignolet hesitating and caught in no man's land. Aguero flicked his effort towards the far corner, only to see it bounce off the woodwork as Liverpool survived a major scare.

Despite Man City seeing more of the ball and looking dangerous when coming forward, it is Liverpool who have created more of the chances. Lallana squandered his side's best of the lot aside from the goal, latching on to a clever chipped through-ball from Markovic before turning the ball goalwards. He controlled a difficult effort well, but it ended up a couple of yards past the far post.

Lallana also threatened early in the match when he drew a save from Hart with a poked effort having been played through by Coutinho. Sterling had a chance right at the end of the half too, but he couldn't get a shot away when well-placed inside the box. Both defences have looked shaky at times, and I fully expect more goals in the coming 45 minutes.

Liverpool are early out for the second half, but kept waiting by City. Pellegrini won't be happy with how his side defended at times in that first half, and he will also be looking to get Silva on the ball more often as he has looked dangerous when involved today.

KICKOFF: City are finally out and get us back underway here at Anfield. This is a huge 45 minutes in the seasons of both teams.

CHANCE! Almost a perfect start to the second half for City. They immediately get on the front foot and attack down the right, with Zabaleta clipping a cross into the middle. Aguero rises highest to meet it but plants his header narrowly over when he perhaps should have scored.

Liverpool have been slow to get going in this second half, just as they were in the first. Rodgers will be hoping that his side settle sooner rather than later here.

Better from the hosts in the last few minutes. They start knocking the ball about nicely in the opposition half and almost break through as Coutinho exchanges passes with Moreno, only to underhit an attempt ball to Sterling inside the box.

CHANCE! Big chance for Liverpool to get a second goal! It is lovely play from Coutinho as he slides a pass down the right channel for Lallana, whose low cross behind the defence finds Sterling. The Liverpool striker gets in front of Zabaleta but the ball is fractionally behind him and he can't sweep it home, instead bundling it wide of the target.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Lallana has the ball in the back of the net again, but for the second time today he sees it chalked out! A free kick arrived in the box and Skrtel nodded it back across for Lallana, who applied the finish from close range. However, the linesman's flag is up against Skrtel.

Coutinho has begun running the show in this second half. He has enjoyed a really good game so far, much like Silva has at the other end of the field, and you feel that one of those two could prove decisive in this match if it carries on like this.

YELLOW CARD! Again Coutinho spins away from his man before being tripped by Fernandinho. The referee has no option but to produce the first card of the game as a result.

MAN CITY SUB: The first card of the game is swiftly followed by the first change of the game as James Milner replaces Dzeko in an attempt to quieten Coutinho's influence on proceedings.

It was actually Nasri who was booked for the trip on Coutinho a couple of minutes ago rather than Coutinho. Both were involved in the foul, so no mistaken identity here!

City have looked a lot more solid defensively since that change. They were far too easy to play through in midfield before Milner's introduction, but now Coutinho isn't finding things quite as easy.

Sterling advances down the left channel and tries to beat Zabaleta, who remains solid with a good challenge inside the box. Sterling keeps hold of possession and manages to squeeze a cross away on the turn, but it is too far in front of Markovic.

Liverpool have been the better team in this second half, enjoying 59% possession so far. They almost get in behind City again here as Henderson floats a pass over the defence, but Hart is quickly out to make a vital interception.

This match is perfectly poised for the final 20 minutes or so. Both sides are looking capable of scoring, but right now it is Liverpool who are looking most likely. City have the quality to strike at any time, though.

City win a free kick in a very dangerous crossing position, but it is a real waste from Silva. He plays his delivery far too long and straight behind for a goal kick.

City are beginning to see a bit more of the ball now, but it is almost a different team when they are attacking and defending. They are full of movement when going forward but static when Liverpool have the ball, particularly in midfield.

Daniel Sturridge looks like he is ready to come on, which could give Liverpool that cutting edge in the final third that could prove decisive here.

Liverpool regain their lead, and it is another worldie from Coutinho! Sterling gives the ball to Coutinho, but just like Henderson's earlier effort this one is all about the finish. The Brazilian cuts inside and curls a magnificent effort past Hart and into the far top corner. What have City got in reply?

LIVERPOOL SUB: Despite taking the lead, Rodgers makes an attacking change as Daniel Sturridge is introduced in place of Markovic.

MAN CITY SUB: The visitors respond with a change of their own as Fernandinho is replaced by Wilfried Bony.

CLOSE! Aguero is so close to levelling things up once again for City! Silva's initial pass over the top is cut out, but the ball falls to the Argentine striker inside the box. He beats Lovren with some lovely footwork before firing a low effort narrowly past the far post.

Liverpool have just under 10 minutes to hold out here. Aguero's effort just then is a warning to what City can do at any moment, but right now Liverpool deserve their lead after this second-half performance.

YELLOW CARD! Milner goes into the book for an off-the-ball challenge on Sterling. No complaints there.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Another change for Liverpool as Kolo Toure replaces Moreno to face his brother Yaya in a competitive match for the first time.

MAN CITY SUB: The visitors also make a change, with Frank Lampard coming on in place of Nasri.

YELLOW CARD! Lallana is the latest name in the book for a late challenge on Milner, who just got his body between the Liverpool man and the ball.

CHANCE! Liverpool have the chance to put this game to bed as Henderson robs Toure of possession in a dangerous position. He gives it to Sterling, who in turn finds Coutinho, but the Brazilian's effort is deflected over the top.

YELLOW CARD! Bony goes into the book for an aerial challenge on Lallana in which he led with his elbow. Clattenburg saw it but only produces a yellow. Bony is a lucky boy there!

CHANCE! Another huge chance for Liverpool to wrap this one up! Again Henderson is all over Toure and the Man City midfielder gifts the ball straight to Sturridge in his own area. The angle is against Sturridge but he would still expect to score. Instead, he drills a low effort narrowly past the far post. Could that prove to be important in the closing stages of this enthralling match?

Liverpool are showing no signs of fatigue from their midweek commitments here. They are still pressing high up the pitch and making this really difficult for City.

CHANCE! Big chance for City to get an equaliser! Toure powers forward and bundles through a number of challenges on his way into the box. The ball breaks for Silva, but he lashes an effort wide of the far post when you'd have expected him to curl it into the corner.

There will be three minutes of added time at the end of this match.

Bizarre defending from City as Kolarov plays a clearance more like a cross into his own area. Coutinho flicks it to Sturridge, but he can't get a shot away and eventually the blue shirts crowd him out.

SHOT! One last chance for City to get an equaliser as the ball break to Aguero on the edge of the box, but it is on his weaker side and his tame effort goes wide.

What a win that is for Liverpool as they move level on points with fourth-placed Arsenal for a few hours at least. It was a thrilling match between these two sides at Anfield, as it always seems to be, and once again the hosts came out on top courtesy of a Coutinho winner. It is a huge victory for Liverpool in their race for a Champions League place, while Man City remain five points adrift of leaders Chelsea in the title battle.

Liverpool broke the deadlock after just 11 minutes as Henderson fired a superb effort into the top corner from 20 yards, leaving Hart no chance with a powerful, curling strike. City responded with a really good team goal as Silva and Aguero combined to set up Dzeko, who swept home to level things up. Coutinho proved to be the difference for the second season in a row in this fixture, however, rivalling Henderson for goal of the game with a similar effort as he curled a beauty into the far top corner.

That is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for a pulsating clash between Liverpool and Manchester City as the Reds continue their Champions League charge with a 2-1 victory at Anfield. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. We have plenty more on offer for you on this great day of sport too, so check out our coverage of Arsenal vs. Everton, the League Cup final and the Six Nations clash between Ireland and England throughout the day. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!