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

#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.