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

Adam Lallana vs Fernandinho

Adam Lallana has been Liverpool’s best player over the last few weeks, and his role in the centre of midfield both offensively and defensively will be key on Saturday.

The England international has scored four goals in his last four games, and has netted in each of his last two matches at Anfield against both Stoke and West Ham.

His on-the-ball quality is undoubted, and it will be up to City’s Fernandinho to minimise his influence on proceedings.

The 31-year-old returned from suspension in the 3-0 win over Hull on Boxing Day, and such is his importance to this City team in the middle of the park, he’ll retain his place on Saturday.

The Brazilian international is tenacious, strong, and gets around the pitch, and he’ll have to stay disciplined off the ball in a bid to thwart Lallana’s impact.

The same can also be said of Lallana, as Fernandinho sometimes drives at defences and launches attacks from the midfield, so the Liverpool man, as part of a midfield trio of Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum, will also need off-the-ball discipline to win the midfield battle.