Allen feels Reds ready to put end to City run
City are formidable at the Etihad Stadium, where they have a 100% record from eight matches and have scored 35 goals, including six against Arsenal on their last appearance.
However, Liverpool are the Premier League’s second-highest scorers behind Manuel Pellegrini’s side and have racked up 17 goals in four successive wins.
In Luis Suarez they also have the top-flight’s leading marksman with 19 in just 12 appearances, while City’s main threat Sergio Aguero is out injured and now six goals behind.
“Sitting on top of the table as it stands is a great feeling and it is near Christmas and that is a great achievement so far,” Allen said ahead of Thursday’s clash.
“Naturally we will play it down a little bit but I think the next two games [Liverpool travel to Chelsea after the City game] are going to be big ones and we will see where we are after we have played them.
“It is a massive challenge but one to look forward to. The run of form we are on and the way we are playing we are certainly looking to go there and get a result.
“You can never pick one or two games as season-defining but we appreciate they are going to be challenging, that goes without saying.
“Man City have an incredible record at home, as do Chelsea to be fair, but records are there to be broken and we have to be ambitious that we can be the team that goes there and does that.”
Suarez remains vital to their hopes of, at the very least, a top-four finish.
He signed a new contract on Friday making him the club’s highest-paid player in history but, more importantly, appears to be happy to commit himself to Anfield long term despite the apparent doubts he had in the summer.
Allen believes that commitment has given the squad a lift and will also help manager Brendan Rodgers when it comes to recruitment either next month or at the end of the season.
“He is delivering week in, week out and that is the sign of a world-class player,” he added.
“For him to commit his future here it is fantastic news for the club and supporters.
“It seemed to be concluded really quickly, which shows Luis’ intent and desire to be at this club.
“That is the kind of signal you send out when you want to attract some big players to this club I guess.”
In recent games — in the absence of injured captain Steven Gerrard — Allen has started to show why Rodgers spent £15million to bring the midfielder with him to Anfield from Swansea in the summer of 2012.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to be involved in some tough games but also to be part of good team performances and more importantly victories,” the Wales international added.
“It has been a big boost for me personally.”
Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini has defended City’s away and defensive records.
Saturday’s 4-2 defeat of Fulham was City’s third away win from nine games this season, a statistic which contrasts starkly with their 100% home record from eight matches.
Had it not been for losses at Cardiff, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Sunderland, City would be well clear at the top of the Premier League.
But Pellegrini insisted his side had proved themselves on the road with wins, including against European champions Bayern Munich, and went on the offensive to fend off critics after his side conceded five times in two games.
“Maybe you give too much importance to when we don’t win away,” Pellegrini said. “We won away the three games in the Champions League, two games in the Capital One Cup the last three games we won two and drew one.
“Then everybody is continue talking that we can’t win away and now everybody is talking because Arsenal scored three goals and Fulham scored two more, but, I repeat, we are improving.
“If you see a statistic we are the third or fourth best defence in the league.”
Restored England goalkeeper Joe Hart — making his first Premier League appearance since the October 27 loss at Chelsea — performed well in the weekend victory over Fulham. Hart, who kept his place following the Capital One Cup win in midweek, has been told he will continue in goal against Liverpool after a series of high-profile errors resulted in his demotion.
The England stopper recognised his mistakes and worked hard in training to prove himself to Pellegrini.
“I was very happy with how Joe was working,” the Chilean added.
“Every player has a time sometimes when they don’t do so well. He understands perfectly that he works hard to come back and he did well.
“Joe Hart is enough of a professional to play and not to think of the World Cup and to think about Man City.”
Spanish winger Jesus Navas is optimistic of another strong display on Thursday. Navas added: “Liverpool are playing very well this season. They are a strong side but we are confident that we can get three points versus Liverpool.”
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