The 3 key battles as Manchester City host Arsenal in the Premier League

Yaya Toure v Granit Xhaka

Like many Premier League matches, today’s is likely to be won by the side that dominates and controls from the middle of the park.

And both sides are likely to line up with midfielders who are sometimes ill-disciplined in the midfield role, but ill-disciplined for different reasons.

City’s Toure has been drafted back in from the cold after three months without an appearance, and he produced a man-of-the-match performance, in the midfield role, in their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on November 19.

However, the Ivorian sometimes drifts too far forward and neglects his more defensive duties and, with Fernandinho suspended, he cannot afford to do that against Arsenal, with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott ready to pounce.

On the other hand, Arsenal’s Xhaka elbowed Stoke’s Joe Allen last week and, although the Swiss international has improved his disciplinary record from the first few months, there are still a few question marks surrounding the 24-year-old.

What is not in question is both players’ ability in the centre of the park, with both having dominated games from there at times this season.

Winning that battle this afternoon is likely to be crucial in how the game goes, and ultimately who gets the points.