SKRTEL READY FOR RUN-IN

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, who has been enjoying a breakthrough season in terms of scoring, says that the Reds are now ready to compete with Manchester city for the title this season.

Skrtel came close to leaving the club in the summer, but he will now be very happy with the decision to stay at Anfield, as they are in the process of creating history. Liverpool were one of the teams to fear during the late 1980s, but they have fallen from grace spectacularly over the last few decades. However, the team could be set for the first league title in more than 20 years.

The head into the weekend’s match against Manchester city knowing that a win could put them very close to the title. They have a four-point advantage over Manuel Pellegrini’s men, although city do have to matches in hand. Skrtel has scored six league goals this campaign and it all has come in vital matches. City have been one of the teams to beat this season, but they come into the match at Anfield having not tasted success at this ground for a long period. The last three points at Anfield came back in 2003.

After nine straight victories, Skrtel says that Liverpool are confident of winning the match.

"We will look forward to the challenge of Manchester City - we know the atmosphere created by our fans will be amazing. It's exciting. This is why you play football - for a season like this. You want to be up there challenging for titles. We are going into it in great form and we will be doing everything we can to keep this winning run going. There are still five games to play and we all want to keep going in this way and extend this winning run,” said Skrtel.