Richards out of Liverpool clash

Micah Richards misses out for the fourth game running as Manchester City look to extend their unbeaten run to five matches against Liverpool at Eastlands.

The England international is struggling with an ankle injury, as well as a calf problem manager Stuart Pearce has confirmed will require surgery in the summer.

Pearce has ruled out the possibility of sending Richards for his operation early but in the meantime Nedum Onuoha will continue to deputise at full-back.

Dietmar Hamann and Stephen Jordan both return for the Blues but Paul Dickov (knee) is out for another fortnight.

Team (from): Isaksson, Weaver, Trabelsi, Onuoha, Distin, Dunne, Ball, Jordan, Sun, Johnson, Barton, Ireland, Dabo, Hamann, Beasley, Sinclair, Vassell, Samaras, Mpenza, Corradi.