The city of Liverpool has spent the past week in a strange state of limbo, as the red half prays the blue half can salvage their title challenge, and the blue half wonders is there any way out of choosing between their own slim top 4 hopes and the possibility of sending the Premier League trophy to Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his belief that the “great club” Everton will be a formidable obstacle for Manchester City tonight at Goodison Park, a place the Citizens have won at just once in twenty years. And Rodgers believes talk of the title being City’s is ignoring a major test at Goodison Park this evening.

“Manchester City have a really, really tough game against Everton,” Rodgers said.

"I've read some bits and pieces on Everton not wanting to do Liverpool a favour," Rodgers said.

"Everton, in their own right, are a great club. They've done really well this year, particularly at home, and they're fighting for a Champions League position.

"They've got outstanding players and will be looking to get a result. We will do what we've always done, and concentrate on the next game. If we win our next two games, we'll see where it takes us.

"Everton have their own reasons to do the job. They won't need many more supporters than those they have.

"I'm sure Everton will play extremely well and look to get the result that they want."