FA Community Shield 2019, Liverpool vs Manchester City: 3 Key battles to watch out for

Liverpool vs Manchester City. We can't expect a better start to the 2019-20 campaign than this. The rivalry between Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp would get a new chapter this Sunday when the two titans of English football clash against each other on the holy turf of Wembley Stadium.

Manchester City, who won the domestic treble last season, is fully prepared for another marathon campaign. On the other hand, Liverpool, who failed to grab the Premier League title last season for a decisive point, are also well-motivated ahead of the weekend's fixture.

Both Manchester City and Liverpool have shown patience over making new signings during the ongoing summer transfer market.

While the Cityzens secured the signing of Rodri from Atletico Madrid for €70 million, Liverpool secured the signature of 16-year-old Harvey Elliott earlier this summer.

As both teams ended their previous season on a high, the fans could expect a hardcore fight from this encounter.

Without any further ado, let us take a look at those potential three battles for which we should keep our eyes on the match.

#3 Georginio Wijnaldum vs Rodri

As both Manchester City and Liverpool mostly rely on their midfielders and always try to dominate the heart of the pitch, the battle between Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum and City's Rodri is going to be one of the most eye-catching encounters out there.

Last season, Rodri played an integral role at the defensive part of Atleti's midfield. To replace Fernandinho, Pep Guardiola signed the young midfielder earlier this summer. He has already produced two impressive performances for the Cityzens in the preseason.

Speaking to the post-match press conference following their 3-1 victory against Yokohama F Marinos, Guardiola heaped praise on the midfielder by stating,

“Yeah. Kevin made another great game, but Rodri was incredible the way he played. I can assure you we have an incredible holding midfielder for the years he is here."

For Liverpool, Wijnaldum had the best campaign of his career last term as he played a vital role in the Merseyside team's Champions League success. He not only played an ideal role as an attacking midfielder but also scored five goals from 47 club appearances across all competitions.

On Sunday, both Wijnaldum and Rodri are expected to make their cuts. It is believed that the result of the match will be decided by the domination in midfield. The team, who would control the heart of the pitch, is more likely to become the winner of the 2019 FA Community Shield.

#2 Raheem Sterling vs Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold trying to make a successful tackle on Raheem Sterling

As two of the greatest English clubs of the recent era are going to clash against each, both Liverpool and Manchester City are expected to go all out to make their claim on the title.

Hence, fans could see Raheem Sterling battling against one of the best right-backs of the recent time Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Under the management of Pep Guardiola, the 24-year-old English winger played a pivotal part, netting 17 goals and 10 assists in 34 Premier League appearances last season.

On the counterpart, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been developing his skills with each passing day, has already established himself as the No.1 right-back choice for Jurgen Klopp.

If everything meets our expectations, we could see Sterling galloping through City's left-wing while Alexander-Arnold will be looking to stop the attack.

#1 Virgil van-Dijk vs Bernardo Silva

Virgil Van Dijk vs Bernardo silva in national colors

Bernardo Silva,arguably the most consistent performer for the Cityzens, should start Sunday's game at Wembley.

Last season, the 24-year-old winger racked up seven goals and provided seven assists in the Premier League. Since joining Manchester City from AS Monaco in 2017, he has scored 13 goals from 71 club appearances. However, we can't judge his deadly image from those numbers.

In order to restrict the City No.20 from, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp would definitely go with his best combatant. And that is none other than Virgil van-Dijk - the winner of PFA Men's Players' Player of the Year 2018.

Last season, The Reds only conceded 22 goals from 38 matches and kept the best defensive record in the Premier League.

If City want to beat Liverpool on Sunday, Guardiola's men need a creative playmaker such as Bernardo Silva.

Nevertheless, the match is going to be an exciting one as it seems like a pleasant goal feast at the beginning of another marathon season.

Which team do you want to win this season's FA Community Shield title? Let us know in the comments below.

Edited by Alan John