Liverpool are a point behind City having played a game more, and are three adrift of Tottenham Hotspur, who currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification place.

Benitez’s side have played five of the six teams above them this season in all competitions and beaten only champions Manchester United, losing to Arsenal in the Carling Cup and Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston VIlla in the Premier League.

And Hansen believes the visit of Mark Hughes’s Eastlands outfit is a must-win for Liverpool to get their season back on track.

“The City game is massive because if you take our current Premier League position into account and the fact qualification for the Champions League knockout stages is out of our hands, it becomes absolutely imperative Liverpool win,” said the Scot. “We want to qualify for the Champions League next season by finishing in the top four and a win would keep the spirits of everyone connected with Liverpool up after such a bad run.

“The sooner we get out of that, the better for the manager, players and supporters. What Liverpool must do is ensure that it isn’t them who are in danger of slipping out of the top four if City do come good.

“But if Liverpool get everybody fit, I’m confident Rafa Benitez’s team are capable of showing what they’re all about.”

FOR Alan Hansen’s regular column, read this week’s official LFC Magazine.