Even though the campaign is only in its infancy the meeting of the two clubs on Monday 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 and Mancini knows his side face a stiff test in their first home game in from of an expectant public.
He said: "Liverpool are a strong team. They did not sell any players from last season.
"We want to win but I have a lot of respect for them and a lot of respect for Roy Hodgson. It should be a good match."
Source: PA
Source: PA