Pep Guardiola takes his Man City side to Selhurst Park on Saturday in the search of three points and off the back of just one win in their last five Premier League outings.

The Spaniard comes up against a Crystal Palace side in desperate need of a win themselves having lost on their last four outings, the most recent being a 3-2 defeat to Burnley on the eve of the international break.

Whilst, considering current form, it may seem a formality for the Sky Blues, Middlesbrough’s last ditch equaliser at The Etihad in their last outing will be fresh in their minds and make this fixture a must win.

With both managers in need of a boost they will need their players to overcome their immediate adversaries on the pitch in order to prevail with all three points.

But just what are the THREE key battles at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon? Shoot! breaks it down for you…

Scott Dann v Sergio Aguero

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

The Eagles captain, whilst often involved further up the field when it comes to set peices, will be crucial to keeping it tight at the back for Alan Pardew this weekend. With Man City having such an array of attacking talent available Dann, and those alongside him, will need to be on top form if they are to come away with anything.

The main man Dann & Co. will be concerned with is the Sky Blues magical centre forward, Sergio Aguero. Despite struggling with injuries and issues with Guardiola over his future this season the Argentina international remains the best of the bunch in the Premier League, having bagged 14 goals in 15 outings in all competitions so far this term.

Wilfried Zaha v Kevin De Bruyne

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

The former Man United man has been a mainstay under Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace so far this season, playing all 90 minutes in all but two of the Eagles league games thus far, picking up one goal and four assists along the way. The winger will need to be on fire come Saturday if he is to earn his boss all three points.

His Man City counterpart is, perhaps, the most impressive player in the Premier League at the moment. Fans and pundits alike marvel at his ability with the ball and the red and blue midfield and back line will need to be on high alert to deal with the Belgian.

Christian Benteke v John Stones

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

A lot has been made of John Stones performances over this international break, with pundits calling him out specifically over his decision making. One aspect of his play which was picked up for scrutiny was his allowing Grant Hanley a free header in the clash with Scotland, something he cannot afford to do against Belgium international Christian Benteke.

The former Aston Villa forward arrived in South London from Liverpool over the summer looking to revive his career after a dreary spell at Anfield. The 25-year-old, who’s younger brother Jonathan is also on the books at Selhurst Park, has hardly set the world alight since his move, but looks far more dangerous than last season and will be more than a handful for Stones at the back.