“It is an important game for us and for them, but I don’t think it will decide anything,” said the midfielder. “I was reading some things with people saying this is ‘the final,’ but it isn’t. There are still a lot of games to play.

“They have spent a lot of money to be in the four. More money than us. They are a good team with good players, but we have very good players too.

“We know that we are Liverpool and have to be in the top four because of the history of this club. It is normal for us to play under pressure and maybe it is not normal for them as a group. As (individual) players they will have played under pressure because they are good.

“We don’t think too much about them. It will be very good for us to win there because if we win there we will be in the top four again and they will be behind his, but I’m not sure if we will be looking to send a message or not.”

City will be without Mascherano’s Argentina team-mate Carlos Tevez, who is currently in his homeland on compassionate leave after his wife gave birth prematurely.

And Mascherano added: “It will be good for us if Carlito cannot play because I know how good he is.

“I spoke to him and said congratulations for the new baby. I was worried because the baby was born before the due date, it was difficult for him.

“The main thing for me is that he is happy and the baby is well. The family is the main thing.”

Lucas Leiva and Emiliano Insua are pressing for a recall after being rested to the bench for Thursday’s Europa League victory over Unirea Urziceni.

Ryan Babel bolstered his claims with a lively cameo from bench in the 1-0 triumph while Sotirios Kyrgiakos is serving the second game of a three-match suspension.

Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson are once again unavailable, but are expected to resume full training next week.