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City and Liverpool aware early collision could inflict lasting damage on hopes
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini expects Liverpool to pose a big threat to their hopes of a Champions League place.
Even though the campaign is only in its infancy the meeting of the two clubs tonight at Eastlands could have huge significance come May.
While City have rebuilt their squad at vast expense, Liverpool have been more subdued, making a splash with the free-agent signing of England midfielder Joe Cole while also bringing in Christian Poulsen, Milan Jovanovic, Jonjo Shelvey, Danny Wilson and Brad Jones.
However, more significantly for Mancini, new manager Roy Hodgson has kept hold of his best players.
Steven Gerrard has said he is happy to carry on and help Liverpool try to improve on a disappointing seventh place in the Barclays Premier League last season.
Spain striker Fernando Torres, with a World Cup winner's medal in his pocket, is also up for the challenge.
Mancini knows his side face a stiff test in their first home game in front of an expectant public.
He said: "Liverpool are a strong team. They did not sell any players from last season.
"We want to win but I have a lot of respect for them and a lot of respect for Roy Hodgson. It should be a good match."
England midfielder James Milner could make his debut after his protracted move from Aston Villa was finally sealed last week with Stephen Ireland going the other way.
Liverpool will be without Cole due to suspension but Javier Mascherano could return from a calf injury. Daniel Agger is doubtful after suffering concussion against Arsenal.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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