Liverpool vs Man City – three key battles
Liverpool play hosts to Manchester City in the Premier League this Saturday hoping their winning run continues, having overcome Stoke 4-1 on Tuesday evening in front of a capacity crowd.
The Reds go into the clash in high spirits but so do City, who have lost just once this month and are aiming to close the gap between themselves and Chelsea at the summit of the Premier League.
City themselves have recorded three successive victories but their most recent win away at Hull was a flat and rather a lethargic affair. City took nearly an hour to get going, but the result was never in doubt.
Both teams are the two clubs most likely to catch table-toppers Chelsea and a victory could bring them three points closer to that aim – whilst defeat could see them cut adrift.
Football FanCast take a look at three key battles that could decide where the match will be won and lost at Anfield.
Sadio Mané vs Gael Clichy
Last May, whilst still representing Southampton, Mané decimated City in a 4-2 victory on the south coast, and Jurgen Klopp will be hopeful lightning can strike twice on New Year’s Eve.
Clichy is not in great form for the Citizens, but he needs added cover to prevent Mané having much impact on the contest.
The winner of this battle is likely to leave the field of play on the winning side.
Raheem Sterling vs James Milner
Like Mané and Clichy, Sterling vs. Milner could have an enormous impact on the outcome of the contest.
Sterling’s recent revival has been influential in City’s title charge. His pace, agility and ability in one-on-one situations should see him provide the necessary service for Sergio Aguero.
Milner may not be a natural left-back, but he could be playing for his starting place once the January window opens and will be keen to put in a strong performance against his former club.
Jurgen Klopp vs Pep Guardiola
The two managers are set to lock horns for the first time since 2014 in the Bundesliga. Now the duo are vying for a Premier League title and whoever can outsmart the other is going to be victorious this weekend.
Whether it’s tactics, team selection or the ability to fire up their sides, this battle is arguably the most important ahead of the contest at Anfield.