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Carlos Tevez v John Terry
Tevez relishes the task of playing in the big games and at this stage of the season, this will be the biggest.
The Argentine will be fired up to produce a typically determined performance, chasing down every loose ball with gusto.
Terry is unlikely to give the home side's top scorer an inch as he knows that anything less than a win will instantly raise the hopes of their challengers.
Yaya Toure v Michael Essien
Since completing his £24m move to City, Toure has impressed with his no-nonsense approach, establishing himself in the middle of midfield alongside Gareth Barry and Nigel De Jong.
The giant midfielder's abilities will be tested to the maximum in this match, as he comes up against another powerhouse in Essien.
If the latter is marshalled effectively, then it could prove to be a frustrating 90 minutes for the Ghanaian.
Pablo Zabaleta v Florent Malouda
With only three fit defenders at Roberto Mancini's disposal, Zabaleta is likely to be asked to fill in at right-back for the injured Micah Richards.
He will have a hard task on his hands if he is asked to play there. Under the stewardship of Carlo Ancelotti, Malouda has been in seemingly unstoppable form, netting six times in just five league matches this term.
The importance of this battle cannot be understated and whoever comes out on top could determine who goes away with all three points.
Source: DSG
