Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes Manchester City will have a big advantage when the two clubs meet this weekend.
The Reds host the reigning Premier League champions at midday on Sunday but must first negotiate a tricky trip to Turkey to take on Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday night.
The City fixture comes less than 60 hours after Liverpool play in Istanbul meaning they will have 48 hours less to prepare than their domestic opponents who last played against Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Rodgers is aware that his side will be disadvantaged but knows they simply have to prepare in the best manner possible to be as fresh as they can to face Manuel Pellegrini's men.
"That extra period of 48 hours that they (City) will have could be crucial, certainly physically," said Rodgers.
"Especially as we don't get back until 3am we will have very little preparation time.
"It'll just be about recovery. We can't train on the pitch at Anfield (on Friday night), we can't make it any worse than it is, so we're having to train the next day (at Melwood).
"Sometimes you can get back and train later that day, it doesn't help us. But look, it's the way it's been dealt and we'll deal with it the best we can.
"The players have had lots of challenges to overcome this season and we are ready to keep performing and doing the best we can."
Liverpool, who currently sit sixth on the Premier League table, lead Besiktas 1-0 in the Round of 32 tie thanks to Mario Balotelli's 85th-minute penalty in last week's initial clash at Anfield.
