Manchester City v Liverpool: Key battles

23 August 2010 13:46
Football.co.uk looks ahead to tonight's showdown at Eastlands between Manchester City and Liverpool, and picks out three key battles.

- Man City v Liverpool: Team news / Follow it LIVE from 8pm

Carlos Tevez v Jamie Carragher

There's nothing Tevez loves better than a big stage, and with all eyes on tonight's match we can expect a typically dynamic performance from the Argentine - who will chase every cause as if his life depends on it. Jamie Carragher is unlikely to stand on ceremony. The Liverpool defender will want Tevez marshalled tightly and if the two come into contact Carragher will have to lean on his vast experience not to get out-gunned. He should relish the challenge.

James Milner v Milan Jovanovic

Jovanovic impressed against Arsenal, and looks likely to start again this evening. If Milner makes his City debut as expected, the pair will be in direct competition on the flank and it promises to be a fascinating duel. Jovanovic has the size advantage, but Milner's muscular approach should even the scales.

Yaya Toure v Steven Gerrard

Toure is a commanding presence lying deep in the centre of the park, and Gerrard will be in for a tough, physically-demanding evening - just the kind he tends to relish. Toure is likely to be tasked with defending Gerrard's forward runs, and will therefore have a big impact on Gerrard's influence on the game.

Source: DSG