With Liverpool and Manchester City fighting to establish themselves as contenders for the final stretch of the season, Sunday's matchup will give fans some key matchups among both teams, which will include recently returned strikers, up and coming midfielders, and not-so-trusted goalkeepers. Which side could have the edge during this week's most interesting game? Here's our analysis of how these pairings may determine the outcome of this match.
1. Joe Hart vs Simon Mignolet
Both criticized, but equally trustful. Joe Hart and Simon Mignolet could be key to this game's outcome since their recent performances have helped their teams during complicated times. Hart's display in this week's match against Barcelona simply kept the Sky Blues alive, stopping Messi's effort from the penalty spot, while denying repeatedly a third goal for Los Blaugranas. On the other end, Mignolet's performances have risen to unsuspected levels during this year's games, in which he has kept a clean sheet in five of those outings. If Liverpool has to thank someone for their current streak, it should be Mignolet, whose saves have made the Reds a more consistent team.
2. Skrtel vs Kompany
Two of the strongest defenders will face each other on Sunday. Particularly, fans will have a blast enjoying the battles between these two giants when they clash against one another during set pieces. Skrtel's performances have also lifted Liverpool's defensive side in 2015, leading Rodgers' back three. For the Sky Blues, Kompany will surely display why he has earned the captain's crest, despite a complicated outing last Tuesday against Barcelona.
3. Yaya Touré vs Gerrard
The backbone of each team's midfield. Toure's absence in January was key to Manchester City's poor performances, and his comeback will surely boost Pellegrini's crew on Sunday. His perfect ball-handling skills can give the Citizens the competitive edge over almost any team in the Premier League, and his contribution will surely be fundamental for his team's performance. On the other side of the pitch, Steven Gerrard will be playing his last game against the Citizens at Anfield Road, and with the help of Jordan Henderson, he will try to show why he's been able to put his amazing skills at the service of his team despite nearing the end of his prosperous career.
4. Silva vs Coutinho
The playmakers of each team will surely have an influence on the outcome of this game. Coutinho, well rested after missing the trip to Turkey, will be the man in charge of feeding Sturridge and some other strikers coming off the bench (Balotelli, perhaps?), and maybe trying to beat Hart with his long-range shots. Meanwhile, Silva will try to show why he has become key to Pellegrini's team, with his classy through balls and his all around playmaking skills. If Aguero gets a chance to score, most definitely Silva will be involved in the process.
5. Sturridge vs Aguero
Perhaps the most decisive of Sunday's battles, Sturridge and Aguero are two of the best Premier League strikers around, whenever injuries get out of their way. Sturridge's impact for Rodgers' side was immediate, scoring in his first game after a five month span without playing. On the other hand, Aguero has kept alive his hopes of winning the goalscoring championship against Chelsea's Diego Costa, and with three goals in his last two games, he will surely be one of the most threatening players for the Reds defense.
