Kolo Toure has said that Manchester City are a more confident side when his brother, Yaya Toure, plays for them.

The Premier League champions slipped further behind leaders Chelsea while the African Footballer of the Year was away on international duty with Ivory Coast at the start of the year, but the gap has been reduced to just five points since his return.

The Liverpool defender told the club's website: "Their form has been a bit up and down, but definitely, when they have Yaya on their side, they are a different team. He's the one who always wants the ball, he is the one who dictates the game and he's going to be available and, for sure, City are going to be better [with him].

"He just brings confidence to the team. He's a very important player. He shows that on the pitch. He takes responsibility. He likes the ball, he wants the ball, he wants to organise the game, he always wants the ball to help his players.

"I think he is the one who directs the game. The only thing I can say is that he just takes responsibility, because he is a big player. The only thing we have to do is to put pressure on him and stop letting him turn and face the game. He's coming to my home, of course. And I will try to give him a hard time, definitely."

It could be brother versus brother when Liverpool host Man City at Anfield this afternoon.