THE BATTLE FOR ENGLAND: CITY V LIVERPOOL: WHICH 2 PLAYERS WILL DECIDE THE MATCH

   

    We know from watching Manchester City this season that if anything is definite, It's the presence of Portuguese and former Monaco man Bernardo Silva, with 9 goals and 7 assists  (we're counting his 2 goals in preseason against Bayern and 1 assist vs Liverpool because those are top opponents) he's been there when City have needed a leader, a spark, a wild card.

         But it's his intense pressing off of the ball that makes him an automatic starter this campaign in Guardiola's squad. Perhaps if De Bruyne is fit, Bernardo wouldn't start this much, yet he has taken the opportunity by the balls and has driven City on, producing even while the club was going through their recent 3 match losing streak.

        Look for Bernardo to be a gigantic presence on the pitch if City are to wrestle the Premier league back from Liverpool.

      And, for Liverpool, look no further than their midfield. Such is the brilliant rotating cast of  characters in Liverpool's midfield squad that Klopp could choose any of Keita, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Fabinho, or Milner, so what we will say is the Liverpool midfield will star as their key contributor.

        If Liverpool can dominate proceedings on and off of the ball, City will have a hard day, but most especially if they can limit the number of touches to David Silva, Bernardo or De Bruyne, that will then cut the amount of time Sane, Sterling, Mahrez, Jesus or Aguero have on the ball up top.
      Klopp's midfield can certainly press and master the ball, yet can they dictate terms to City? Can they cut off their attacking passing lanes that set Sane free on the left wing? If they can press the left back against the touchline, then force the ball backwards or inside, neither Zinchenko or Delph are natural left backs and Liverpool can pin Sane deep and isolate him without service on that left wing.
      Look for a midfield three of Wijnaldum, Fabinho and Henderson to take the pitch and disrupt City's rhythmic buildup play.

PREDICTION:
A thrilling, last gasp encounter for City's title retaining hopes will see an absolute majestic theater of futbol. I see Salah's corner being nodded down by Van Dijk to take the lead early, followed by Bernardo earning a penalty and Aguero scoring to tie before half.
     Then, Mane scores from Alexander-Arnold only to see City tie it again from a De Bruyne assist to Sterling. A late, late one on one Sane goal from another De Bruyne assist seals the comeback late. The match will be entertaining but will have an intensified, vicious feel to it that includes chippy fouls and nasty moments as these two clubs continue their rivalry from last year's EPL campaign and their UCL quarterfinal meeting.
  Look for City to want revenge.