Manchester City face one of the biggest weeks of their season, with an away trip to Liverpool followed by the FA Cup semi-final. Although an away Premier League tie might not seem all too important, especially in semis week, just take a look at the Premiership table and you'll soon see why it is.
At this time Tottenham lie three points behind City in the battle for a Champions League spot. This time round it is the northerners who look in pole position, with Harry Redknapps men beating the blues to fourth last year with victory on their own Eastlands pitch.
It would of course be very tempting for Roberto Mancini to rest players tonight, considering the injury crisis facing Kenny Daglish and his defeat last time out at West Bromwich Albion. In addition to the fixture list which seems in City's favour, they have to play Liverpool while Redknapps men have both Arsenal and Chelsea coming up before they travel to Eastlands in May.
Resting players though would be a grave mistake, a victory at Anfield could breathe huge confidence through the squad before Saturday. City players shouldn't need a pick me up for a Wembley date with rivals Manchester United, but there's nothing wrong with added confidence. A win tonight would also give them a six point cushion, with Spurs having a game in hand against their bitter North London rivals Arsenal.
City fans though are quite rightfully looking past tonight and ahead to Saturday, to a game that could be huge for both clubs. United fans take pride in informing City how long it's been since they last laid their hands on silverware, while the Red Devils are in the hunt for a treble.
After the huge amounts lavished to Mancini a trophy coupled with Champions League qualification must be the least expected. And in all honesty, no disrespect to Stoke or Bolton, but whoever comes out on top on between Mancini and Sir Alex Ferguson will see their sides installed as huge favourites for the final.
We are very near the curtain call of the 2010/11 season, and this week could ensure it is a memorable one for the blue half of Manchester.
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