MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini expects Liverpool to pose a big threat to their hopes of a Champions League place.

Even though the campaign is only in its infancy the meeting of the two clubs tonight at Eastlands could have huge significance come May.

While City have rebuilt their squad at vast expense, Liverpool have been more subdued, making a splash with the free-agent signing of England midfielder Joe Cole while also bringing in Christian Poulsen, Milan Jovanovic, Jonjo Shelvey, Danny Wilson and Brad Jones.

However more significantly for Mancini, new manager Roy Hodgson has kept hold of his best players.

Steven Gerrard has said he is happy to carry on and help Liverpool try and improve on a disappointing seventh place in the Premier League last season.

Spain striker Fernando Torres, with a World Cup winner’s medal in his pocket, is also up for the challenge.

Torres is getting back to full fitness after injuring his thigh in the World Cup final and was on the bench in the draw against Arsenal last weekend.

Despite needing two knee operations during the season he still managed to finish with 22 goals in 32 games in all competitions for his club.

Argentina enforcer Javier Mascherano remains on board even though he has been linked to a move away from Anfield.

Mancini knows his side face a stiff test in their first home game.