Premier League 2017/18: Manchester City vs Liverpool - 5 key battles

The international break is done and the focus once again shifts back to the Premier League. The opening match of the gameweek promises to be a mouth-watering prospect with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City facing Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

The previous encounter between these two teams in March was an attack-fest to say the least. Although the 1-1 scoreline at the end did not justify that, the game in itself was one of the best of the season. Both Guardiola and Klopp are attack-minded managers who love their teams to open up defences constantly.

Thus, the match has a lot of excitement leading up to it. Every fixture has a few key areas where the actual battles happen and decide the outcome. In this case, here are the 5 battles that will decide who takes home the maximum points.

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#5 Fernandino vs Emre Can

Emre Can is in brilliant form for the Reds, especially in the last two games. The German scored twice against Hoffenheim before playing a huge part in Liverpool's 4-0 thrashing of Arsenal. His forward link-up play and runs into the box have proved vital for the Reds' victories.

Thus, City's no.6 Fernandino has the big responsibility of handling Can. The Brazilian is one of the most consistent players for Guardiola with his versatility, technique, and skill making him much more than a defensive midfielder.

Can's forward bursts are now a hallmark of his game and if he is allowed to run through, Klopp's side could hurt further with the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah ahead of him. Furthermore, Can, along with Georginio WIjnaldum are making several runs into the box by design in the past two games and this has made Klopp's attack more potent.

Thus, Fernandinho will be expected to stay vigilant at all time to reduce the chances of Can costing Manchester City three points.

#4 David Silva vs Jordan Henderson

David Silva is the magician in City's arsenal.

Almost every time the Citizens do well against top sides, David Silva is at the heart of it. This has been the case since the Spaniard's arrival in 2010. Arguably City's best player ever, the 32-year old has the intelligence, vision and passing range to play as a "free-eight" in Guardiola's team, dominating and unlocking any defence.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is the deepest midfielder for Klopp's side in the no. 6 role and the Englishman will have the difficult task of preventing Silva from operating smoothly. Fresh from scoring for Spain during the World Cup qualifiers, Silva started the season in good form and will be key for City.

However, Henderson's role is not purely defensive. If he gets the better of Silva, then his range of passing and ability to switch play can hurt City. Thus, this is an important tussle in the middle of the park for both sides.

#3 Kyle Walker vs Sadio Mane

Mane has been in blistering form for Liverpool this season.

Sadio Mane has started the season in superb form for Jurgen Klopp's Reds. The Senegalese wide forward has scored in every league game so far and was brilliant in both the legs against Hoffenheim in the Champions League playoffs.

On the other hand, Kyle Walker will be back as a right-back or right wing-back after the completion of his suspension and will be tasked with stopping Mane. The former Tottenham player was signed for a fee in excess of £50 million and loves to bomb forward in support of the attack.

Thus, it is going to be a real test for the pacy Walker to mark Mane, who is no slouch either. This battle will have a huge effect on the game as Liverpool can double up with left-back Alberto Moreno if Walker does not do his primary job. Similarly, Walker can combine with Leroy Sane to a similar result if he puts in a shift.

A similar battle can be expected on the other flank between Benjamin Mendy and Mohamed Salah, who has started the season extremely well. Thus, the wings are set to play a crucial role with both managers requiring width in their style of play.

#2 Sergio Aguero vs Joel Matip

Aguero has an enviable record against Liverpool at the Etihad

Sergio Aguero may or may not start against Liverpool but his record against the Merseyside club speaks for itself. The Argentine has scored 5 goals in his last 5 home matches against Liverpool in the Premier League.

Thus, either as a starter or as a sub, Aguero has a great chance to hurt Liverpool and the Reds defence will have their task cut out. The primary responsibility of stopping the PL's most effective striker will rest with Joel Matip, Liverpool's no.1 centre-back.

The former Schalke man is good at reading the game and will have to be at his best to detect and prevent the clever runs of Aguero. The outcome of this matchup will have a major say on who wins the match and is one to watch out for.

#1 Guardiola vs Klopp

This is a matchup in itself between two managers who have immense respect for each other.

Among the top managers in the world, the first two names that pop up when discussing attack-minded managers are Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. Their emphasis on tactics, usage of space and constantly hounding the opposition for mistakes mean any side they play will have to defend really well.

If the match in March is any indication, this clash at the Etihad is assured to be even better. Both teams have become stronger, especially in attack and it remains to be seen whose attack will be sharper on the day.

Further, Liverpool's wide forwards Mane and Salah have been devastating when the opposition play three at the back. So far, Guardiola has played 2 PL games that way while reverting to a four-man backline against Bournemouth in the last gameweek. Thus, Guardiola's tactics to counter Klopp's setup will be one to watch.

Klopp is often criticized for delaying his substitutes and that will come under sharp focus especially if Liverpool are not in front in the game. A lack of quality on the bench can no longer be a factor with the likes of Daniel Sturridge, James Milner and new signing Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain sure to feature on it this time.

Thus, both managers will be engaged in a battle of their own which will influence the overall game and could decide the fate of their match.