The marquee match-up in the Premier League this weekend also kicks off the action when Liverpool play host Manchester City. Manchester City are favored in this contest although the Reds have had the better of the match-up in recent years. In fact, in the last 5 games against City, Liverpool have earned points in all 5 with 4 wins and a draw. In order for this trend to continue and for Liverpool to prove the odds makers wrong, the following are the keys to victory.
1. Liverpool's counter-attack led by Sadio Mane - Few players in the league have been in better form than Sadio Mane who already has 3 goals in the campaign. City will rely on newcomer Kyle Walker to contain Mane. Walker was a key transfer addition for Manchester City and unlike many defenders in the Premier League, he has the pace to keep up with Mane. However, he is also prone to mental mistakes and often relies on that pace to recover after being beaten. If he does have a lapse in focus, look for Sadio Mane to pounce on the opportunity and Walker's pace may not be enough to recover. Also, Liverpool's front three will put constant pressure on the Manchester City defense, a defense that is the weak link in the City squad. For Liverpool to win, Sadio Mane and company will need to continue harassing Premier League defenses with a strong outing against City.
2. Jordan Henderson's defense in the middle - Manchester City have a lethal attack. Although they haven't yet fired on all cylinders, the City offense is capable of putting up multiple goals against any opponent. They are at their best when David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne are afforded the space and time to operate in the middle of the pitch. Both midfielders are capable of picking apart a defense and expose any weaknesses. It will be up to the captain to ensure this does not happen. For Liverpool to be victorious, Jordan Henderson will have to be in top form and will need to disrupt the flow of the City offense. Specifically, Henderson will need to constantly pressure David Silva until he becomes a constant annoyance. One downfall in Silva's game is that he at times disappears especially if he is bullied by a physical opponent. Henderson will need to be in Silva's kitchen all game and let the playmaker know he is in for a tough afternoon.
3. Simon Mignolet - Finally, the only way Liverpool will win is if Simon Mignolet returns to the first squad and comes up big. Jurgen Klopp rested the Belgian when Liverpool hosted Arsenal but Mignolet will return to the fold against City. And for Liverpool to steal 3 points, their keeper will need to come up big. Although Liverpool have had recent success against Manchester City, they have had few clean sheets. And, Sergio Aguero has had his way against Liverpool. In his last 6 home games against Liverpool, Aguero has hit the back of the net 5 times and will look to continue this on Saturday. The Liverpool defense has been the teams biggest question mark in recent seasons and Aguero will look to expose them. And, facing young players on the outside Aguero's experience surely will lead to some scoring opportunities. For Liverpool to win, Simon Mignolet will have to come up with at least one big save.
It is going to be an exciting game featuring two of the top clubs in the league with two of the best attacks. And, both sides will look to push the pace and pressure the opposing defense. Manchester City will be without Raheem Sterling who was their hero in their last match but Liverpool will be without Philippe Coutinho who Klopp deemed not fit enough for his squad. Even still, there will be plenty of skill on display and a lot of attacking football. If I had to make a prediction, it would be a 1-1 draw with Liverpool coming away with a point. However, Liverpool can win the game if the 3 keys play to their potential.