Just 2 weeks after facing his first defeat in England as a Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp will be facing his toughest test so far in his small career with the club. Manchester City will welcome Liverpool to the Etihad on Saturday in a high intensity clash. A game between two top sides in the Premier League will always produce a thrilling encounter and we can be sure that on Saturday this will be the case.
In this article, we will take a look at the most important battles on the pitch when Pellegrini’s side take on the Red of Merseyside.
1. Nathaniel Clyne vs Raheem Sterling:
Easily the biggest clash of them all will be on the flanks between two summer transfers Clyne and Raheem Sterling. Sterling moved away from Liverpool to join the citizens in a big-money transfer in the summer and will face-off Nathaniel Clyne who has been in good form since joining the Reds from Southampton. The pace and trickery of Sterling will surely test the defensive abilities of the right back and this battle can decide the game in either team’s favor.
2. Fernandinho vs Phillipe Coutinho:
This battle between the two Brazilians in the center of the pitch will be an enthralling contest. Coutinho has been the brightest player for Liverpool so far this season. His ability to create chances and also score with the ball at his feet will be the biggest threat for Manchester City. Pellegrini will surely try to shove him out of the game and Fernandinho will be the player who has the ability to do so. His defensive solidarity will be important for the Citizens if they want to minimize Coutinho’s effect on the game.
3. Lucas Leiva vs Kevin de Bruyne:
Another battle in the midfield will be between City’s summer signing Kevin de Bruyne and Liverpool’s defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva. De Bryne has been exceptional for City so far this season creating and finishing chances in important games. He has the ability to make things happen from tight spots but will run in the solid Lucas Leiva in midfield. Lucas will surely have his work cut out and will have to work hard to keep the skill and trickery of the Belgian in check.
4. Emre Can vs Yaya Toure:
Probably the best outlet for Manchester City, Yaya Toure will face off against an on and off midfielder Emre Can of Liverpool. Can has surely made a difference under Jurgen Klopp but was at times found wanting with his antics in the middle of the field. Toure who is in good form should be able to exploit any mistakes from Can and will try to keep the pressure on the Liverpool back four every chance he gets. Can will have to be at his best if he wants to minimize Toure’s ability to change the game.
5. Vincent Kompany vs Christian Benteke:
The two Belgians, Kompany and Benteke will face each other in this game between Manchester City and Liverpool. Benteke is exceptional in the air and has slowly grown in the Liverpool style of play. He provides the focal point for the club up front and will surely be used to relieve the pressure in the mid-field. However, Kompany has been one of the best defenders in the League this season and he will make sure that Benteke is not given enough space to create chances or score himself. This battle in front of the City goal will be vital for both the teams.
Apart from these 5 battles, there are other interesting clashes all around the field that make this game between the Citizens and the Reds all the more interesting. Make sure you do not miss out on any of the action in this weekend’s Barclays Premier League.