Okazaki: Be Positive

- Shinji Okazaki previews Saturday’s visit to Anfield to tackle Liverpool (3pm kick-off)
- The 31-year-old forward expects the Reds to present a significant challenge for the Foxes during their final match of 2017
- Okazaki says he has been pleased with his form in front of goal this season
- With two strikes against Liverpool this term, the Japan international approaches this latest fixture with confidence

The Japan striker has already netted against Jurgen Klopp’s men twice this season, in both the Premier League and Carabao Cup, but he is aware how tough the test will be on Merseyside.

“I have tried to develop and be more positive to help me score more goals this season,” Okazaki, 31, said on Thursday morning.

“Away, it’s difficult, I haven’t won there [at Anfield] yet. We need to be positive, be a collective and to work together because we know Liverpool are very strong at home. 

“They attack very quickly, they are fast on the transition, so it should be a very fast game. Their four attacking players are very dangerous so it will be difficult.”

City will be aspiring to recover from their 2-1 reverse at Watford on Boxing Day, a hiccup which cost them an eighth victory of the current Premier League campaign.

“Watford was a very tough match,” Okazaki added. “We lost from two set-plays. I think we played okay, not bad, but Watford is very strong so it was difficult.  

“Set-plays are very important because, in this season, the opponents are scoring from them. We need more concentration because we have a good team-work and we will show this.”