Liverpool FC legend Mark Lawrenson believes his former club will just pip Manchester City to fourth position in the Premier League. The former Anfield stalwart claims Roberto Mancini’s side rely heavily on Craig Bellamy, and even suggests Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would happily take the troublesome Welshman to Old Trafford.
The former Anfield defender, who won five league titles for Liverpool FC, claims a number of Manchester City’s high-profile players like Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure have failed to consistently deliver, and instead believes their assault on the top four has rested mainly with Craig Bellamy. Reports over the weekend suggested Bellamy and Mancini had a bust-up, and Lawrenson claims Sir Alex Ferguson would love to have Bellamy at Manchester United.
The Liverpool FC hero believes the Manchester City forward has that ‘little bit of devil in him’ that would work well at Manchester United, under the careful man-management of Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Liverpool FC legend told mirrorfootball.co.uk: “Manchester City are still yet to absolutely convince.”
“Emmanuel Adebayor has been iffy, Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott have cost a lot and yet been unconvincing. If anything, Vincent Kompany is their best defender.”
“Roberto Mancini has come in, looked at a lot of players, given them chances and is still searching for the right combination.”
“City are four or five players away from being a top, top team and that's why they will finish fifth and that may not be enough for Mancini and also enough to attract the Champions League calibre of players they need to reach the next level.”
Aside from the attacking talent brought to Manchester City in the summer, Lawrenson suggests the Eastlands club has relied on Craig Bellamy this season.
The Anfield hero continued: “The one player they really have looked to time and again this season is Craig Bellamy.”
“When you talk about top clubs taking players from other teams, Bellamy is the one player that Sir Alex Ferguson would take across Manchester to United.”
“Bellamy has that wonderful little bit of devil in him.”
“Bellamy has been City's driving force and inspiration this season. Yes, he can be trouble, but he's generally worth the hassle.”
“It will be a tussle right until the end for fourth slot and yet Liverpool will probably come through - but only just.”
Do you agree with Mark Lawrenson? Will Liverpool FC beat Manchester City to fourth place or will Tottenham or Aston Villa pip either of the aforementioned? Have your say in the comments section below.