Curtis Davies admits he will be wary of a Liverpool "backlash" when he leads Hull City out at Liverpool tomorrow.
But seven days on from earning an impressive point away to Arsenal, the skipper is confident his Tigers can capitalise on the Anfield unrest.
Although City face a Liverpool side occupying fifth spot in the table, last season's Premier League runners-up are enduring troubled times.
A 3-0 defeat at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday was their fifth loss in 12 games this season, ensuring City will arrive on Merseyside with pressure mounting on their hosts.
"It's tough to say there's ever a good time to face Liverpool because they've got to come good at some stage," said Davies, speaking at the launch of City's new third kit yesterday.
"Whenever good teams go through bad times, there's always a backlash. We don't want to be the team that gets them back on track. That's what you need to be wary of.
"The onus will be on Liverpool. They've not started the season as well as they wanted to so we have to go there and try to stay solid.
"If we can take our chances, like we did at Arsenal (in a 2-2 draw), we'll cause Liverpool problems."
Much of the fall-out from Liverpool's midweek loss has focused on floundering £16m striker Mario Balotelli.
The Italy international courted controversy when swapping shirts with Pepe at half-time in midweek and he was subsequently withdrawn on the back another ineffective display.
Fellow summer signing Rickie Lambert could now be the man City must stop at Anfield, but Davies insists either will pose big questions.
"I didn't watch the Real Madrid game, but it sounds like people are talking about Balotelli when it was actually the defensive mistakes that cost them," said Davies.
"It seems there's a bit of deflection going on, in the press at least. It's not about one individual.
"I couldn't really tell you who I'd rather face. When Balotelli is on song, he can do a little bit of everything.
"He's big, strong, quick, skilful. The only thing is whether or not he's on song.
"Rickie Lambert is a handful full stop. He's a big targetman but a good footballer who can link up play.
"Whoever plays, they're both internationals and both quality. As a defender you need to be on point to make sure they don't get their goals."
City are not without their own problems leading up to the game. Steve Harper, Michael Dawson and Nikica Jelavic will all be missing through injuries collected last weekend, testing the strength of Steve Bruce's new-look squad for the first time.
Davies is not concerned, though, and added: "Look at the players who could come in and they've played 20 or 30 games last season. They know what it's all about."
