The Tactical Battle
1. Aguero vs Lovren: The Croatian will have to be on his toes at all times, his defensive errors have been exposed in recent games and even earlier on in the season and it could take a big effort from Liverpool’s centre-backs against an angry Sergio Aguero and team.
Chances are that Aguero gets the better of Lovren which could always happen, but as long as Lovren does his job of not allowing Aguero to have a free run, City could find it tough.Honestly, Iheanacho has been brilliant in Aguero’s absence, but Guardiola will be tempted to play the little Argentine ahead of the Nigerian forward in such a game.
What is expected: Aguero to hold up the play, create chances and could link up well with the guile of De Bruyne and the pace and trickery of Leroy Sane. Lovren Klavan Milner and Clyne will have to work as a unit with the possible cover taken from Henderson and Wijnaldum.
2) Wijnaldum vs Toure: This could be a mouth watering tactical battle between two power horses of their respective teams. If Manchester City have to be stopped in their tracks Yaya Toure will have to be kept quiet, even at his age he can still be devastating. Wijnaldum and Henderson have been brilliant so far, but this game will be very different from what Liverpool faced in their previous games.
What we could expect: Wijnaldum with his relentless running should close down the Ivorian for space and not allowing him to dictate the pace of the game.
3) Clyne vs De Bruyne: Could be one of the best duels on the right-hand side of midfield. The Belgian has been sublime until his injury and can change the course of the game whenever he wishes to while Clyne has probably been Liverpool’s most consistent performer since his arrival. Both are in great form and we could have a real game on our hands with these two.
What we could expect: Clyne should try closing down the crosses whipped in by De Bruyne. Mignolet might know a thing or two about his fellow countryman, but Clyne is just the right man to keep the talented Belgian in check.
Other Key Battles
4) Firmino vs Otamendi: On current form, this could be an intense duel, one could have a real Brazil vs Argentina effect here, Firmino’s work rate and Otamendi’s tenacious approach could make this an intense affair on the right-hand side. If the Brazilian plays like he did against Stoke, Otamendi could have a long evening against him.
5) Mane vs Stones: Mane has been brilliant since his arrival at Liverpool, Stones is still finding his feet after a nervy start to his Manchester City career while Mane’s pace has always caused most defenders trouble this season and Stones would be no exception. The former Evertonian will be under immense pressure especially facing an in form Mane and the crowd booing him throughout.
6) Sane vs Milner: This is one area Klopp should consider. Sane is quick and can dribble with ease, Milner for all his brilliance could have a tough evening with the young and pacy German winger, possibly should Klopp play Moreno? Would be a risk but could be one worth taking.
Where the match could be won: The team that is able to win the midfield battle.
