Rush: Stakes are high

FROM suddenly having a chance of claiming third place it appears Liverpool are now back in a fight for fourth, writes Ian Rush.

The seven-game unbeaten run had put us in a decent position ahead of the trip to The Emirates. But looking at it now, Liverpool probably needed to avoid defeat to have a realistic chance of clinching third place.

It was a decent enough performance against Arsenal and a draw would have been a fairer result.

I wouldn't say Liverpool are playing great football but I've noticed a fighting spirit over the last few games. There is a bit of fight in them now, compared to earlier in the season. The players seem to know what's expected of them.

It's unfortunate they lost at Arsenal but Liverpool have a chance to turn it around against Manchester City.

City are on the same number of points as the Reds but have two games in hand.

If they win on Sunday, City will be in prime position to finish fourth. But if Liverpool win, it puts the pressure back on City.

People will often say they prefer points in the bag to games in hand.

It's a crucial match for both clubs but Liverpool are used to this kind of situation. It's all new to City, though, and we'll have to see whether they can stand up to it.

The way they let Mark Hughes go is a sign of the pressure at the club now.

Roberto Mancini has come in to try and take them to the next level.

Although they rarely lost under Mark it was unfortunate for him that they drew too many games.

While that was only ever going to see City progress gradually, Mancini appears to try and take that extra step and go for the win.

Mancini seems happier to win three games and lose two than draw five.

They're obviously looking to get points on the board and that's why Mancini has been brought in, to turn one point into three.

Although they've lost a couple of games under Mancini, City have got a decent home record - winning four from five under the new manager - where they tend to go for it and attack more.

Against a good side, this can make them vulnerable at the back.

Liverpool specialise in picking off teams on the counter-attack and that's how I see us getting something on Sunday.

Premier League the priority over Europa League

AS Liverpool's Europa League campaign begins this week, we have to think we're in it to win it.

It's not where we wanted to be at this stage of the season but we have to make the most of it.

I'm sure the supporters would love to go to the final in Hamburg too.

It's a consolation compared to being in the Champions League but there are still some good teams in the Europa League that people will gladly come and watch.

Saying that, the Premier League and fourth place has to be the priority now.

Even looking to Thursday's game against Unirea Urziceni, I'm sure there will be a few players missing who will face Manchester City on Sunday.

Liverpool have to get back into the Champions League and the Europa League will come second to that aim.

Squad players must keep up the pressure until stars return

IT'S good to hear Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson are on their way back from injury.

In the meantime it's still up to the other squad members to try and keep Liverpool in and around fourth place.

It's no good losing games now and then suddenly start winning when everyone's back. It could be too late then.

We've had the likes of Torres, Johnson and Gerrard out at various stages of the season. But when they're not available the onus falls on the rest to ensure Liverpool are still in a position from which to challenge when they return.

Liverpool sweat on Jamie Carragher fitness for Manchester City clash

LOSING Jamie Carragher just after half-time at Arsenal was a blow.

He's such a good organiser at the back and it was clear Liverpool missed him.

If you look at where the goal came from, Abou Diaby has crept in between the centre-back and the right-back positions.

It's easy to say with hindsight, but if Carra was on the pitch then perhaps the organisation would have been better and Diaby wouldn't have been granted so much space.

We've heard that Carra is 50/50 for Man City.

Let's just hope he's available. You need your best players in the big games.

If he isn't ready for Sunday it will be another blow to Liverpool.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.