Lee Dixon: Tevez can fire City to rare Anfield win

It's a while since the champions have won at Liverpool's ground but that's exactly what Lee Dixon expects to happen on Sunday. The Betfair Ambassador also thinks Brendan Rodgers could soon find himself under pressure...

I wasn't expecting Manchester City to start the season the way they ended the last one. But in coming from behind to beat Southampton 3-2 that's exactly what they did. It was probably the match of the weekend but it was a very strange one.

I've said that I think City need a central defender and, by this time next week, they may well have one. I do not, however, think Roberto Mancini will be too concerned about the way they defended against Saints. Put it down to rustiness, put it down to Rickie Lambert's determination to show his manager that he was wrong to leave him on the bench, but I don't believe that there is a defensive crisis at the Etihad.

Reds boss under pressure

Speaking of crisis, it won't be long before Brendan Rodgers finds himself under pressure if Liverpool perform as they did last weekend. The Reds boss complained about the referee but his team were outclassed by West Brom and Rodgers needs to look closer to home for the source of his team's woes. Last week, they played like Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool and there was none of the vitality that the owners are looking for.

Match Odds

Liverpool were ok for the first 25 minutes against the Baggies but they need to compete for 90 minutes if they're to avoid defeat against City. Joe Allen and Fabio Borini did nothing at the Hawthorns and it's clear that Rodgers is going to need time if he's to mould Liverpool into an effective passing outfit.

City have that indomitable aura that Manchester United used to have. Even when they go behind you know it's only a matter of time before they fight back. In fact, I'd make that a betting tip for the season: back City when they go behind, they have the strength and imagination to come back against anyone.

We saw what an inspirational leader Steven Gerrard can be when he lead England at Euro 2012. It's a big ask, however, for either him or Rodgers to rally Liverpool enough to win this one. Opta reveal a staggering stat: City haven't won on any or last ten trips to Anfield. I'm afraid that's not enough to persuade me that this transitional Reds side can avoid defeat on Sunday.

Under/Over 1.5 goals

Having conceded three against West Brom you worry about Liverpool's defence when the best attack in the Premier League comes to town. Daniel Agger is missing through suspension and Martin Skrtel struggled last weekend. Some times defenders flourish in adversity and discover new focus. I reckon Liverpool can limit City's attack on Sunday.

To Score

All is forgiven Carlos, especially if you play like you did last week. Tevez scored City's first goal of the season against Saints, played a blinder and, on this form, fans will hope he's still firing them in next May. I think he will be but, then again, this is Tevez we're talking about so you never know. He scored the only goal in a league game at Anfield for you know who. I think he can do that again this Sunday.

Recommended Bets
 Back Manchester City @ 2.486/4
 Back under 1.5 goals @ 3.55n/a
 Back Carlos Tevez to be first goalscorer

The Tactical View: Michael Cox

City had the best defence in the Premier League last season, while Liverpool had the joint-third best record. Neither back four is significantly different from last season, although Martin Skrtel’s absence through injury is a big blow to Brendan Rodgers.

I think this could be a cagey game – City are the away side, and though he’s opened up more over the past year, Roberto Mancini tends to be more cautious away from home. Liverpool, on the other hand, won’t be in great confidence after last weekend’s defeat to West Brom, which demonstrated that their passing hasn’t yet clicked in the final third. For various reasons, I’ll back No in Both teams to score? at [2.3].

The Betfair Trader's View: Alan Thompson

Liverpool got off to the worst start in their Premier League history last week and, while I think the 3-0 scoreline flattered WBA, it was still a terrible beginning for Brendan Rogers. Victory over Hearts midweek will have helped but they will want to get their Premier League season started at home to Manchester City. Liverpool were well-supported last week, backed from [2.0] to [1.86] before the game. Rodgers rested several big names for Thursday's Europa League win, with Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Martin Skrtel and Glen Johnson all missing the trip to Edinburgh. I suspect that at least three of those will be back on Sunday.

It is going to be tough for City but I agree with Lee that they might have too much for Liverpool. However, at the prices I would like to get the draw on my side as well with a lay of Liverpool @ [3.2].