City's dreadful defence may be the decisive factor.

LIVERPOOL and Manchester City are both much better at attacking than defending and bookmakers may have underestimated the prospect of goals by offering 5-6 about three or more being scored at Anfield this lunchtime.

Jamie Carragher's suspension doesn't weaken the Reds judged on his form this season, but it's still obvious that Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel have been thrown together far quicker than Rafa Benitez wanted.

They might not get much help either, with Glen Johnson much better going forward and midfield shield Javier Mascherano still looking intent on leaving.

City's defensive issues could well prove to be even worse. Kolo Toure had looked a shadow of his former self for more than a year before he left Arsenal, and pairing him with Joleon Lescott, another defender happier alongside a strong leader, looks likely to backfire.

Wayne Bridge's confidence looks shot to pieces as well.

City have conceded little more than a goal a game to date, but they have had an easy run of fixtures and began to unravel against Fulham and Burnley.

Indeed, City's problems even make Liverpool, for all their struggles, worth a small interest at 20-21. There's no Fernando Torres, but a refreshed Steven Gerrard and an in-form Yossi Benayoun, enjoying a tremendous season, lead what is still a strong attack, and their long-term home record in the league is terrific with 57 wins, 21 draws and just four defeats in four-and-a-bit seasons.

Joleon Lescott (left) and Wayne Bridge