Manchester City v Liverpool
Kick off: 23:00
Fernandinho says he and Fernando are the quiet men who can help champions Manchester City make another big noise this season.
The pair may be competing against each other for a coveted midfield spot in tonight’s big Etihad clash with Liverpool, but Fernandinho is helping his fellow Brazilian settle down quickly following his £12 million (Dh73m) summer move from Porto as they both target domestic and European honours.
He revealed: “I didn’t know him before but when he signed for City, I texted him and said ‘welcome to Man City and I am here to help you’. And he said ‘I need you to help me!’
“When he joined, I told him to try and find a house near me so it will make life easier for him and me as well. He is like me, calm and quiet.
“In the last two weeks we have worked and lived together. He is a good guy, a good professional, good player – and I’m sure he will be a good player for City.
“Fernando joining us is a big signing for us because the club is not just thinking about defending the Premier League title but also the Champions League. Our target again this year is to reach the final of the Champions League and I’m sure he can help us do it.
“Whether it is me, Yaya or Fernando who plays – or maybe all three of us together – I’m sure we can do a good job in midfield.
“The most important thing is that whoever plays, does the best they can to help the team.”
Given their similar names, Fernandinho says he is being called ‘Dinho’ and Fernando ‘Nando’. Their style of play is similar too, adding steel to the silky skills expected of Brazilian footballers.
“A couple of years ago we had some problems with Brazilians coming to Premier League, they thought it was hard, but now there are a lot of Brazilians because they change their mind,” he added.
“They have to be strong, have to be disciplined and I’m sure in the next few years you will see more Brazilian players [here].”
Fernandinho, 29, will face a couple of Brazilian friends, but foes tonight, in Liverpool duo Lucas and Philippe Coutinho.
And he warned: “We have to be careful because I’m sure they will be coming to show against us that they can win the title this season.
“Some people say a lot about this, that when teams win the title, it is normal to relax a bit the following season.
“But our first game of the season against Newcastle showed that will not happen again. We will try to maintain the same performance level as last season.”
TEAM NEWS
Manchester City
Eliaquim Mangala remains unlikely to make his debut as the £32m defender is still short of match-fitness but defender Pablo Zabaleta could be back in line to start. Sergio Aguero may not be ready to play 90 minutes.
Liverpool
Adam Lallana’s wait to make his Liverpool debut goes on, with the midfielder’s rehabilitation from a knee injury nearing conclusion. Jose Enrique’s condition will be assessed, while Daniel Agger and Jon Flanagan remain sidelined.
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Manchester City (4-2-3-1) Hart, Clichy, Kompany, Demichelis, Zabaleta, Fernando, Fernandinho, Nasri, Toure, Silva, Dzeko,
Liverpool (4-2-3-1) Mignolet, Johnson, Lovren, Skrtel, Manquillo, Gerrard, Can, Sterling, Henderson, Coutinho, Sturridge
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Manchester City
Fernando
The Brazilian’s arrival has enabled Yaya Toure to play further up the field and the 27-year-old is seen as an upgrade on both Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell. Composed and measured in possession, he should soon start to develop a fine understanding with Fernandinho.
Liverpool
Philippe Coutinho
Whereas City’s central midfield area is based on power, Liverpool offer something a bit more subtle. Coutinho operates between the lines, looking to thread passes through to Sturridge who could have some joy against a City defence often caught up the field.
SPORT360° PREDICTION
It will be a tight affair with plenty of goals. Liverpool will need a big performance from captain Steven Gerrard if they are going to compete with the champions. Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool