Premier League 2018-19, Manchester City vs Liverpool: 3 tactical factors which could determine the fate of the match

2. An intense midfield battle

It promises to be an intense battle between two very strong midfields. City should have Fernandinho, Bernardo Silva and David Silva in their starting line-up, and might also include Riyad Mahrez as a wing-forward who would cut in frequently.

On the other hand, Liverpool are likely to play Fabinho, Wijnaldum and Xherdan Shaqiri in their 3 man midfield. It should be a battle between the creativity and artistry of the City midfielders and the strength and athleticism of their Liverpool counterparts.

Both Firmino and Shaqiri would have to fall back to the midfield frequently to prevent the City players from playing their free-flowing, passing football. Fabinho might want to give special attention to David Silva, who is the talisman in the City midfield.

Bernardo Silva is likely to play box-to-box and Fernandinho might have difficulty in negotiating with Shaqiri’s pace. Overall, it should be an enjoyable battle in the midfield.

About the author

Subhadeep, an adept tennis journalist at Sportskeeda, has been writing about the sport for seven years. He is known for his exclusive match reviews and opinion pieces, utilizing his MBA degree to tackle them effectively with his problem-solving abilities.

Subhadeep lives and breathes tennis. He watches matches regularly and engages in social media platforms to stay on top of the latest happenings. As a writer, he brings the fan's perspective to his pieces, ensuring his readers enjoy an exceptional experience every time.

Growing up, he idolized Boris Becker, but he now firmly believes Novak Djokovic stands alone as the 'Greatest of all Time', especially considering the 24-time Grand Slam champion's incredible stats. One thing that still puzzles Subhadeep, however, is how Becker's Wimbledon tally might have reached five if not for Pete Sampras.

Speaking of the All England Club, the British Major holds a special place in his heart as he admires its blend of tradition and grass-court excellence. When not working for Sportskeeda, Subhadeep delves into the other "love of his life": football, and enjoys contributing his insights to different websites dedicated to the sport.

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Edited by Musab Abid