Liverpool's Javier Mascherano is relishing the prospect of bringing Man City ace Robinho down to earth on Sunday.

The Argentina international is more than aware of the threat Robinho poses having faced the explosive striker several times in international clashes against Brazil.

Despite the good start to his Premier League career City's Samba king has enjoyed, Mascherano, who was rested for Liverpool's midweek Champions League defeat of PSV Eindhoven, hinted that Robinho may not have things all his own way as the season progresses.

"I have played against him many times," Mascherano told Liverpoolfc.tv ahead of the match at City.

"I know him and he's a fantastic player with a lot of quality. Obviously the Premier League is the most difficult league, so maybe he'll find it tough."
 
"Having said this, he's already played some good games there," he continued. "We know they have a good team and they're stronger than last year, obviously. They have a good manager and are improving a little bit more than before. "

Liverpool are second in the Premier League and go to Manchester in high spirits. Despite the wave of optimism currently sweeping over Anfield, Mascherano is adamant that nothing can be taken for granted against a City side progressing nicely under former Blackburn boss Mark Hughes.
 
"I remember all our games at Manchester City have been very difficult. We need to be very careful but of course we need to win if we want to stay at the top of the table."
 
"If you want to fight for the Premier League you can't lose many points. We know it'll be difficult to win there but I am confident we have the players to win," he added.