London, Nov.20 (ANI): Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz and his team-mates have warned Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez that they intend to ruin his Christmas celebrations this year.

Manchester City is due to take on Liverpool in Anfield today, and are looking to push Benitez closer to the sack.

The Reds' season could be over before the decorations have even gone up if the next few days go badly at home and in Europe, reports The Sun.

Striker Santa Cruz said: People say this is a big game for City, to prove we are worthy of being called a big club. But this is also a big game for Liverpool. They'll look at us and see us above them in the table. Our main aim is to be in one of the Champions League places by finishing in the top four. So we need to go to Liverpool and prove we can take one of those places they want to be involved in.

Santa Cruz has been involved in title races in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.

He knows Liverpool is always seen as a massive game by Manchester United and feels City need to adopt a similar mentality.

Mark Hughes' men have lost only one Premier League game all season but have drawn their last five. (ANI)