The 3 key battles as Manchester City host Liverpool this afternoon

Gael Clichy v Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane has been the brightest spark for Liverpool this term, and he’ll be the man they look to in their bid to cause a shaky Manchester City backline problems this afternoon.

The Senegalese international has scored 12 goals and laid on five assists for the Reds this term, which means that, despite missing most of January away on international duty, the 24-year-old has been directly involved in more goals than any other Liverpool player this season (Lallana is second with 14).

And with three goals and one assist in his last four Premier League matches, Mane is in the sort of form that will concern the City defence, most notably left-back Gael Clichy.

The former Arsenal defender has started 15 of their 27 league matches this season, and has been a regular in the side in recent weeks, starting their last five games in all competitions.

With his contract up in the summer, the French international will be playing for his future and Guardiola’s backing over the coming weeks and months, and being able to tame a confident Mane would go some way to proving his worth to the City manager.

Whether he’s playing as a wing-back or a natural full-back, Clichy will have to be defensively disciplined against Mane to keep him quiet and potentially help City to all three points.