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Manchester City will welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium in a marquee fixture this weekend in the 2020-21 Premier League.
The hosts come into the game as the form team in the league, after recently setting a new record for the most consecutive wins in all competitions in English top-flight history.
Both sides will be looking to pick up all three points for vastly different reasons, though. Manchester City need a win to steer further clear of the chasing pack at the summit, while anything other than a victory will see Tottenham Hotspur lose further ground in the race for the top four.
The previous meeting between the sides ended in a convincing 2-0 victory for Tottenham Hotspur. The win was a classic Jose Mourinho tactical performance, as his side sat back and absorbed all the pressure from Manchester City before catching them out on the break.
Given the history between the two managers, Pep Guardiola will be keen to get one back over Jose Mourinho, which sets the game up nicely as a must-watch.
Both camps have been rocked by injuries, with Manchester City perhaps the harder hit of the two. Nevertheless, there are still several quality players available to both managers who could make a difference in this tie.
On that note, here are five key player battles to watch out for as Manchester City host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
#5 Phil Foden (Manchester City) vs Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur)
Considering that Tottenham Hotspur are likely to sit back and absorb pressure from Manchester City, Jose Mourinho would have preferred the more defensive-minded Serge Aurier. However, the 28-year-old might not be fit for this clash, as he missed the midweek FA Cup clash with Everton.
Instead, Mourinho might deploy Matt Doherty, although the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man does not seem to have the full trust of his manager.
Regardless of whoever gets to play on the right flank of Tottenham Hotspur's defence will have their work cut out in keeping track of Phil Foden.
Foden's ability to cut in and shoot, as well as an eye for a pass, makes him an integral component of Manchester City's attacking play. The England international has grown by leaps and bounds this season, and has started justifying his comparisons with David Silva.
The Englishman played a starring role in Manchester City's demolition of Liverpool last weekend, and will be raring to go once more against Tottenham Hotspur.
#4 Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspur) vs Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
Son Heung-Min has been a revelation this season, and is currently enjoying his most prolific season in front of goal.
The South Korea international is a nightmare for opposition defenders. He possesses a knack for running off defenders' shoulders, and his one-two combo with Harry Kane is unrivalled throughout the league.
Meanwhile, Joao Cancelo is also enjoying a new lease of life this season, and has become the bonafide starting right-back for Pep Guardiola.
The Portugal international possesses the requisite attacking flair needed by Guardiola from his full-backs. But he must keep his attacking impulses under check, or else he could be hurt by Son.
#3 Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City) vs Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur)
Riyad Mahrez has been highly inconsistent for Manchester City this season. but his talent and ability have never been in doubt. The game against Tottenham Hotspur offers the Algeria international an excellent opportunity to get back on track.
With the visitors likely to sit back, Guardiola will need Mahrez' dribbling ability as well as his shooting accuracy to penetrate the Tottenham Hotspur defence. Mahrez's penchant for cutting in on his stronger foot to shoot at goal could come in handy for the hosts.
In the absence of regular left-back Sergio Reguilon, Ben Davies has been utilised by Tottenham Hotspur. His defensive solidity could see him successfully nullify the threat of Mahrez, though.
Nevertheless, the duo's battle out wide could be one of the more intriguing subplots in the game. Whoever comes out on top could play a key role in propelling their respective side to victory.
#2 Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City) vs Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg/Tanguy Ndombele (Tottenham Hotspur)
Ilkay Gundogan is the reigning Premier League Player of the Month.
Ilkay Gundogan has upped his game since the injury sustained by Kevin de Bruyne. The Germany international has been the driving force behind Manchester City's rise in recent weeks, with his exploits seeing him named the January Player of the Month.
Pep Guardiola will be banking on Gundogan to put out a five-star performance against Tottenham Hotspur. But Ndombele and Hojbjerg could be charged with stopping that from happening.
The duo is one of the best midfield combinations in the league, and is capable of nullifying the threat posed by the Manchester City midfielder.
Hojbjerg has arguably been the best signing in the Premier League this season, while Ndombele has rediscovered his best form at Tottenham Hotspur after initial struggles. The Frenchman offers defensive steel, in addition to excellent ball-carrying ability in attack.
#1 Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) vs John Stones/Ederson (Manchester City)
Harry Kane has arguably been the standout player in the Premier League this season, and he will be key if Tottenham Hotspur are to finish in the top four.
After being sidelined for the last few games, the England international returned to the Tottenham Hotspur starting lineup last weekend and scored a goal in the victory over West Bromwich Albion.
In addition to goal-scoring, the 27-year-old now has the knack of dropping deep to influence proceedings. That makes him an even trickier proposition for opposing defenders. There is also the threat of his almost telepathic combination with Son to worry about.
With Ruben Dias facing a race against time to be fit, John Stones will likely carry the extra responsibility for Manchester City to contain the threat posed by Harry Kane.
Meanwhile, City goalkeeper Ederson will also have to be in top form to keep out the in-form Tottenham Hotspur striker quiet in the game.
