• City’s team coach was targeted before game last April • Police say they are ‘working hard to ensure there is no repeat’

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Manchester City will use a different route to Anfield on Sunday following the violent scenes which greeted their team coach last season.

Merseyside police have said they are determined to prevent a repeat of the trouble that occurred before the Champions League match between the two sides on 4 April.

At least one window was smashed on the journey through streets that were filled with thousands of fans, a number throwing flares and smoke bombs, and a replacement vehicle had to be found for the trip home.

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It is understood City will approach Liverpool’s ground from a different direction to avoid passing the Arkles pub, a popular pre-match meeting point for Liverpool fans.

City have held talks with Merseyside police about the measures which will be in place.

The 4.30pm kick-off is eagerly anticipated with City top of the Premier League and Liverpool second. Extra police will be on duty, it was announced on Wednesday.

Superintendent Dave Charnock said: “Everyone involved is working hard to ensure there is no repeat of the events that occurred outside Anfield before the Champions League fixture between the clubs in April.

“There will be additional officers on duty at the ground, both uniformed and plain clothed, and we will have a city centre policing plan in place throughout the day.”