Daily Star Sunday

Huge clashes bring out best in Foden

- By SIMON MULLOCK

Foden has scored in each of his last three appearance­s against the Merseyside­rs and City manager Pep Guardiola is yet to lose a Premier League home game at the hands of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Liverpool have taken all three points away from The Etihad just once in their last 12 visits.

Foden, 21, said: “I don’t think it (his scoring record) has so much to do with Liverpool – I just think it is a big game and I just like playing in big games. I like the pressure and I feel like I play better.

“It is just another game for me and I just want to express myself.

“Hopefully I can carry on that record and carry on that form.

“We’ve only lost one at home in 12 years in the Premier League (against Liverpool) and that is such a great record to have.

“Hopefully we can carry that on. If we have the fans behind us with the way we play, I am sure we can.

“It was definitely important to win at Anfield last season and now every time we go there we feel like we can do it again.

“We have a great record at home and hopefully we can keep that up.

“We know Liverpool is a great team and it is such a challenge.

“Hopefully we can break them down and win.”

Foden insists City are not daunted by a schedule that will see them face the Kop club twice in the space of six days in the Premier League and FA Cup semi-finals. In midweek, they travel to Atletico Madrid after beating the Spanish side 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Foden came off the bench to set up the Kevin De Bruyne strike that sank Diego Simeone’s cynical outfit.

He added: “When we saw the schedule and the tough games that we have got we were all just excited to go out there and try to play against the best opposition and try to win.

“We have to beat the biggest teams to win things.

“The rivalry with Liverpool is massive. Over the past four years it has grown and now it has become a big thing.

“We have been the two strongest teams in the past few years and it is a rivalry where we know we are both great teams and we can both win on our day.

“I would say they are the hardest team to play against – the way they press you and give you no time on the ball.

“It is something we have to prepare for but we know our strengths can hurt them as well. It is going to be a great game.”

 ?? ?? PHIL OF BEANS: Foden celebrates his goal against Liverpool earlier this season
PHIL FODEN has got Liverpool in his sights again – and insists Manchester City’s record against their title rivals gives the reigning champions the belief they will come out on top again at The Etihad this afternoon.
THE EQUALISER: Foden strikes the final blow in the 2-2 draw at Anfield in October
PHIL OF BEANS: Foden celebrates his goal against Liverpool earlier this season PHIL FODEN has got Liverpool in his sights again – and insists Manchester City’s record against their title rivals gives the reigning champions the belief they will come out on top again at The Etihad this afternoon. THE EQUALISER: Foden strikes the final blow in the 2-2 draw at Anfield in October

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