'We feel Anfield's power - it's an extra few per cent for us'
Ragnar Klavan believes Liverpool's home advantage over Manchester City could be worth 'a couple more per cent points' in the huge Premier League face-off.
The Reds host Pep Guardiola’s side this evening with only a single point separating the rivals in the table as both try to reduce the gap to leaders Chelsea.
City felt the might of Anfield in this fixture last season, when Jürgen Klopp’s charges were unstoppable in claiming a 3-0 victory days after disappointment in the League Cup final against the same opponents.
And, in fact, no team has departed the stadium with a win in any competition since January – a run of 23 matches unbeaten on home soil for the Reds.
“Anfield is special and our fans are creating something special for us in the stadium,” Klavan told Liverpoolfc.com ahead of the game.
LFCTV GO: Klavan previews City clash
“The team can feel it straight away. It’s extra power for us and we are really thankful for that. It’s maybe a couple more per cent points to our side. That’s really nice.
“It would be another three points to move us forward. It’s two good opponents playing against each other. It’s football – it can go either way, the ball is round.
“We’ve got to be ready for this game. We know we have the whole of Anfield behind us. We’re going to give our best.”
The Estonian defender was a composed performer in the Merseyside derby earlier this month as Liverpool ground out a memorable victory over their neighbours at Goodison Park.
Asked if he can carry any lessons from that match into the meeting with City, Klavan added: “That was something special, a new football experience.
“It’s a little bit different to other games because it’s a derby, but you play for those kinds of games. Derbies are like a cup final – it’s the same atmosphere. That was really nice.”