The 3 key battles as Manchester City host Liverpool this afternoon

Yaya Toure v Emre Can

Several Premier League matches are won in the midfield department, and two men with uncertain futures at their respective clubs will line up against each other in a bid to win the midfield battle.

City’s Yaya Toure started the season in the wilderness and out of their Champions League squad, before returning to the team with a bang by netting a brace in their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace back in November.

Since then, the Ivorian has been a regular feature but didn’t start against Monaco on Wednesday, and City’s inability to get a foot-hold in the game could persuade Guardiola to start the 33-year-old this afternoon.

Whether his future remains at the Etihad remains to be seen, he is out of contract in the summer, yet Guardiola will hope that Toure can get the better of Liverpool’s Emre Can in the midfield battle this afternoon.

The German international looks set to deputise in place of captain Jordan Henderson again this afternoon, and given that he produced a fine display to help the Reds see off Burnley 2-1 last time out, the 23-year-old is in good form and confident in that Liverpool midfield.

Can is another whose future remains slightly uncertain, with contract talks reportedly on hold, but another performance like against Burnley today could go some way to determining his future at the club.

Both men are strong and move the ball well under pressure, and getting the better of the other will be key in deciding which side comes out on top at the Etihad Stadium.