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

2. An intense midfield battle

David Silva

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.