3 key battles as Liverpool host Manchester City on New Year’s Eve

Sadio Mane vs Aleksandar Kolarov

It remains to be seen how Klopp lines up against City – whether he plays the three forwards or starts Daniel Sturridge ahead of Divock Origi is very much up in the air.

Nonetheless, in-form winger Sadio Mane will appear in the starting eleven, and will look forward to going up against a shaky and at times unconvincing Manchester City defence.

The Senegalese international has scored eight goals and laid on four assists for the Reds this season, and has arguably been their go-to man in Philippe Coutinho’s absence.

His preferred position down the right, albeit the front three usually interchange throughout the 90 minutes, is likely to pit him against Aleksandar Kolarov, whether Guardiola plays him in a back three or as the left centre-back in a back four.

The Serbian international has not been the worst City defender this season, but he is clearly vulnerable to pace and driving runs but, more importantly, Kolarov gets forward on a regular basis, which could open up space for Mane to exploit.

How both men play off the ball is likely to determine the success of this battle.