Allen: We can serve up City repeat

The Reds return to action following the international break with a mouth-watering fixture against Manuel Pellegrini’s men in the teatime kick-off.

The last meeting between the sides, back in March, ended 2-1 in Liverpool’s favour thanks to goals from Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho.

It was a result and performance Allen feels can give them optimisim of recording a similar outcome this time around, particularly with several key players nearing returns to full fitness.

He told Liverpoolfc.com: “We’ve come close [to winning at City]. We’ve performed well there and maybe not got what we deserved.

“But last time we played them, at Anfield, we beat them, so they know they’ll be in for a game.

“We’ve had the boost of Studge returning to the squad, which is huge for us and will be a worry for them. All the signs are promising and we’ll give everything to try to get those three points.

“When you’re playing on their patch, they’re so strong at home, but that result at Anfield is the kind of level we’re looking to recreate. It was a real highlight of last season.

“It was disappointing after that game that we didn’t kick on the way we could have, but we’ve still got the core players who played in that match and we’ve added more quality again, so there’s every chance we’ll be able to perform.”

As well as Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson is also closing in on a comeback. Both players have stepped up their rehabilitation programmes over the last week.

“They are key players for us, so to get them back in is going to be huge for our season,” said Allen.

“We’ve talked about the disappointments of this season and them not being out on the pitch has been one of the biggest ones.

“It’s our club captain and, in Sturridge, you’ve got a match-winner who can flip a game on its head at any time. We need to get them back out there as soon as we can and firing on all cylinders.”

Liverpool’s last outing on the road produced a positive outcome – a 3-1 success over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Allen believes that showing proved just what the Reds are capable of producing when they hit their stride.

“It was a big turning point for us,” he stated. “Stamford Bridge has been a ground where we’ve struggled to get the results we want, so it was a huge boost to get that result and it showed just what we can do on our day against anyone – and against anyone on their own patch.

“We’ve had tough away games so far this season and I don’t think we’ve come out of them too badly, so it’s another game we can really go and give everything in – with the away support, as always, brilliant.”

The clash with City signals the start of 10 matches in just 40 days for Jürgen Klopp’s side – a chance to really stake a claim for regular first-team action is how Allen sees it.

He explained: “It’s one you look forward to as players. You want to be playing as much as you can, within reason.

“For someone like me who is trying to take an opportunity to get into the team, it’s even more important.

“I personally can’t wait. It’s the period of the season everyone looks forward to and can also be the stage that makes or breaks how teams have fared at the end of the season.

“The competition is fierce, as I think everyone can see, so it’s up to me to put the hard work in and try to make sure I contribute.”