Winger Stewart Downing insists Liverpool are not in the habit of making big statements but he believes today’s visit of Manchester City holds no fear for Kenny Dalglish’s side and the Reds are 7/4 at Victor Chandler to inflict a first Premier League defeat of the season on the Blues.

The leaders arrive at Anfield as the top flight’s top scorers, with their array of attacking talent having torn apart defences this season, and punters can get 13/8 for City to secure yet another victory.

However, they suffered a morale-sapping Champions League defeat against Napoli in midweek and with Liverpool buoyant having won at Chelsea last weekend, Downing said the squad’s confidence is high.

“I think we should look forward to it and say ‘Why can’t we be the first team to beat them?’” he said on liverpoolfc.tv. “It’s a great incentive for us.

“Obviously they are coming off a defeat in Napoli so they will be right up for it. They are a top team with many, many great players, not just in the 11 but on the bench.

“We are going to have to be right up for it and start well. If we don’t they will punish you, which they have shown against the top teams this season. It has the makings of a cracking game. But we are at home at Anfield so I’m confident we can get a result.

“We have belief in our own ability and confidence is flying, especially the way we won the game against Chelsea because it was difficult circumstances in the second half and we nicked it right at the end. Training has been really intense and we are really looking forward to the game.”

Liverpool won this fixture 3-0 last April, with Andy Carroll getting off the mark for his new club with two goals, and Dalglish is hoping City have another off-day.

“They played fantastically at Tottenham (winning 5-1) and at Old Trafford (beating Manchester United 6-1) so maybe they’re due a bad one – let’s keep our fingers crossed,” said the Scot.