This was the game that almost got Liverpool over the finish line last season but they were inflicted a couple of deep gashes in their quest for the Premier League title from another team in Blue and ultimately fell short. After a disappointing performance by both clubs in their respective European competitions, they lock horns in the Premier League with Liverpool looking to continue their remarkable recovery in the Premier League for a Champions League position, while Manchester City look to make up on lost ground as they try to chase the league leaders, Chelsea.
The match will pit one of the best attacks in the league with one of the form defences as Liverpool have solidified their leaky defence and Manchester City will be looking to unleash Wilfried Bony on Liverpool after his big money move to the Etihad, considering this we look at the 3 key battles from this intriguing game.
Philippe Coutinho vs. David Silva
Two of the Premier League’s creative talents, Coutinho was rested against Besiktas as he didn’t travel with the squad. The Brazilian has looked a class apart for Liverpool and looks set to return to the squad for Liverpool against Manchester City and will be looking to score a similar scorcher as he did against Southampton.
Silva is the main attacking fulcrum for Manchester City, while Toure provides those lung bursting runs and Aguero provides the goals, it is Silva who can bring the team to life with some silky approach play leaving a lot of defences in tatters, this battle will be one to keep an eye out for.
Emre Can vs. Yaya Toure
Emre Can might play this game in defence but he could continue playing in midfield like he did against Besiktas, Jordan Henderson is not 100% sure to start the game and this could pit the German youngster against one of the stars of the Premier League in Yaya Toure. The Ivorian is the power house for Manchester City and he will be looking to provide the push for Manchester City.
Can, whichever position he plays in will have his hands full as he would either have to deal with an amazing attack or a powerful midfield of Manchester City and this could be his toughest task this season, after the home game he played against Chelsea.
Daniel Sturridge vs. Sergio Aguero
While people will be talking about the return of Balotelli to face Manchester City, all eyes will be on another striker who has been exceptional in the Blue of City, Sergio Aguero. The Argentine is probably the best striker in the game at the moment, injury permitting, he has had a stop start season yet again after a few niggly injuries but will be looking to provide City with the fire power they need.
Liverpool on the other hand will be looking to Daniel Sturridge for the firepower they so lacked in midweek as well, Sturridge was guilty of missing a few good chances in their loss to Besiktas but he still is recovering from a spate of injuries and needs some game time to regain the ability he was showing last season, this battle of the strikers will surely be one to watch out for.