The match between Liverpool and Manchester City is one between two sides currently experiencing varying narratives in the media and in their respective fan bases.

It is also a renewal of a coaching rivalry that stretches back to the time spent by Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola in the Bundesliga at Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively.

Whilst Liverpool are still riding on a wave of positivity as a result of the ‘heavy metal’ football style installed at the club by Klopp, we see a Manchester City side that started the season on fire before stuttering in recent weeks with a series of performances that have been below the standards expected by the extremely detail orientated Guardiola.

A confident 4-1 win over Stoke in their last league game displayed Liverpool at their breathtaking best. Movement and rotations throughout the final third left the Stoke defensive unit in disarray, and there was even time for England international striker Daniel Sturridge to remind everyone that he is still an extremely effective forward option. On the other hand, Manchester City stuttered to a 3-0 win against a poor Hull City side.

So this match will be an important one for both sides, with three points becoming increasingly important as Chelsea continue to stretch their lead at the top of the league table.

As ever though there are key tactical battles to keep an eye on throughout the match…

Liverpool must control space in front of City’s defensive line

In recent weeks we have seen City move away from using their expensive English central defender John Stones in a move perhaps to protect the player’s confidence amid a backlash from the media and public. Instead we may see a continuation of the partnership between Otamendi and Kolarov in the centre, with Fernandinho shielding the defensive unit.

If this is the case then it will be essential for Liverpool to ensure they have players moving in to the pockets of space around Fernandinho to create advanced platforms from which they can play and threaten the back line.

Adam Lallana has quickly become one of the key players for Klopp this season with his non-stop playing style, coupled with the technical and tactical quality needed to perform at the highest levels in the game. He typically attacks down the right hand side of the pitch swapping positions continuously with Sadio Mane on the right wing.

On the left hand side we should expect to see Roberto Firmino, whether deployed from the left or in the centre moving in and out of the spaces around Fernandinho and looking to create problems for Otamendi from a slightly deeper space.

This battle will see whether Guardiola is forced to amend his tactical structure to account for these spaces or whether he will refuse to play reactively and trust in his own game plan to win the match.

De Bruyne and Silva need to control the match

For City the answer is relatively simple. Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva need to rediscover the form that saw them playing so brilliantly at the start of the season.

The early days of the Guardiola regime saw the pair playing as partners in the centre of the midfield but instead of playing as we would expect from traditional number 8’s, they were effectively playing as 10’s from a deeper starting point.

This gave City a platform in the centre that they could build around and in an attacking sense, everything good that we saw from them over those first few weeks came from that central platform. Since then we have seen a number of tactical switches from Guardiola, but City have rarely looked as effective without that central combination.

De Bruyne has been used as a traditional 10, a winger and a false nine from the lone striking role and whilst his performances have been good, they have rarely proved match winning. Wherever the two players play in this match, it is important that they are closely connected in terms of their positioning in order to make sure that they can play off of one another in tight areas.

It would be sensible to look to isolate one of the two Liverpool central defenders, with Joel Matip likely to miss the match again, then Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan can be slow to deal with quick passing moves around them. This could be an ideal platform from which City can launch their attacks towards the Liverpool goal.

Having the fullbacks advance is one of the keys to Klopp’s attacking system and as such there should be space for City to exploit in the wide areas, should they be able to transition in to an attacking movement before Liverpool can reset their defensive block.

City have the pace and creativity in the final third to pose problems for any defence in Europe, it just remains to be seen whether that can shine in Guardiola’s precise tactical framework.

Conclusion

There is a real danger that Chelsea are going to run away with the title whilst their closest rivals continue to struggle and take important points from one another. This makes this match incredibly important for both sides.

There is still absolutely no doubt in my mind that Guardiola will be a huge success both at Manchester City and in English football but there is a real sense that he is struggling to implement his tactical blueprints on this somewhat limited squad. It seems increasingly likely that it will be at least next season before we see the true tactical vision of the Spaniard as City become a team in his own image.

That makes it increasingly important for his better players to show their qualities when they are needed the most.

Liverpool, on the other hand, are looking increasingly like the second coming of the Dormtund side that won so many admirers across the footballing world under Klopp. Their intensity and seemingly never ending waves of attack make them a joy to watch at times.

They will have to be on their guard against attacks in transition throughout their match and will look to control the tempo and flow of the match to keep City off their guard.

Whatever happens, it promises to be an enthralling match.

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Spurs will undoubtedly have been the happier team after their draw with Manchester City on Saturday. The 2-2 result may have brought an end to Spurs’ winning streak and been a marked improvement on some of City’s recent performances, but the pattern of the match meant that Mauricio Pochettino’s side will have been chuffed at the end of the game.

Pep Guardiola’s side impressed for periods of the game. Having been in such a strong position to notch a vital victory, Manchester City failed to take advantage of the situation. Spurs deserve credit for fighting back, of course, yet it was the shortcomings of Pep Guardiola’s side that loomed largest over the post-match analysis. A season that seemed destined for a genuine title push has diminished into something altogether less impressive, with top four football now looking the very best they can hope for.

If City had forced victory, the situation may be different, naturally. Unfortunately for them, though, they continue to be unable to prove their doubters wrong. Each time criticism comes their way, they find a way to prove it right, or so it seems. While the improvement in their team display suggests the odd shoot of recovery may be surfacing, it is too late to really turn their season around, at least domestically.

Spurs were far from their best at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, but a draw away at their top six rivals will seldom be a bad result. Dramatic victory for Arsenal saw the Lilywhites drop to third in the table, yet they still look the side most likely to challenge Chelsea deep into the second half of the campaign. They, unlike City, seem to have found the sort of resilience that teams need if they are to push for a Premier League title.

Although only separated by three points after the draw, the whole atmosphere around the two teams is markedly different. Spurs’ winter run of form, led by the goal scoring brilliance of Dele Alli, has seen them topple Chelsea and thrash West Brom. Manchester City, meanwhile, cannot begin to show the sort of consistency that would allow them to drive towards the top of the table. Claudio Bravo’s struggles have attracted the most headlines, but the indifferent displays of too many City stars have blighted their season.

Spurs, as it currently stands, look set to exceed the expectations many would have had of them at the start of the season. They remain Chelsea’s greatest threat. Guardiola’s team, on the other hand, were the favourites to lift the title at the start of the season. Partly down to years of poor transfer dealings, partly down to the time taken for Guardiola’s tactics to embed, though, they are at severe risk of missing out on the top four. For their brilliance against Manchester United and Barcelona earlier this season, the 2014 Premier League champions have looked the weakest of the top four sides over the last couple of months.

Saturday’s match may have seen Spurs fortunate to nick a point, but it should not paper over the differences between the two at this point of the season.

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Manchester United have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann, as an investigation from The Independent suggests the Spanish giants will have to sell.

What’s the word?

Atletico Madrid’s financial issues aren’t too much of a secret and it seems the impending move from the Vicente Calderon could have a drastic impact on Diego Simeone’s squad, as loan debts may have to see key-players sold.

The Spanish side are desperate to move into their new stadium for the start of the 2017/18 season and took out loans of around €160m to push through development- but Atletico will have to pay back their debts quickly, or risk losing club shares to Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.

With Atletico’s financial situation far from comfortable as it is, the Spanish side may have to offload their most valuable assets- which include Antoine Griezmann, Saul Niguez and Koke.

Where do United fit in?

Manchester United’s long-term pursuit of Antoine Griezmann has been very public and the most recent reports state the Red Devils are prepared to set a world-record fee to land the Frenchman, surpassing the £89m they spent on Paul Pogba last summer.

A potential three-figure sum is tempting enough for a side like Atletico and the financial situation could lead them backed into a corner- and Griezmann may not be the only man to leave the Spanish capital for Manchester at the end of the season.

The Red Devils are also reported to be interested in Atletico’s Saul Niguez, who at 22 is one of the finest up-and-coming young midfielders in European football and is valued extremely highly by the Spanish giants- not that it will make any difference, if the financial situation is as fragile as it seems.

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Deadline Day has come and gone and needless to say, it wasn’t the most captivating 24 hours in Premier League history.

In fact, the whole of the January 2017 transfer window was a little underwhelming. Whilst the bottom six spent as much as the rest of the 14 teams combined, the top six made just two signings – Gabriel Jesus, who Manchester City really signed last summer, and non-league youngster Cohen Bramall, who joined Arsenal for a nominal fee.

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Likely due to the fact they’re currently nine points clear at the Premier League’s summit, Chelsea were amongst the quietest clubs. Although there were suggestions of a £40million bid for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele on Deadline Day, the Blues’ only business was on the outward front, selling Oscar to Shanghai SIPG for a staggering £60million, whilst also granting departures for John Obi Mikel, Branislav Ivanovic and Marco van Ginkel.

Of course, no one would turn their nose up at £60million for a benchwarmer, but there have been some criticisms of Antonio Conte failing to boost a squad that’s challenging for the Premier League title and will almost certainly be battling in the Champions League again next season.

With that in mind, we’re keen to discover the opinions of our readers; so, Chelsea fans, are you pleased with your club’s efforts during the January transfer window?

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It’s not been the best of starts to Sam Allarydce’s Crystal Palace managerial career.

Since being announced as Palace gaffer last Christmas time, ‘Big Sam’s’ side have only racked up one league win. Losing six in his short spell at the club, Allardyce must start to consider changes to his starting line-up.

In Allardyce’s defence, he did try to bolster his side in the January transfer window, bringing in the likes of Mamadou Sakho and Patrick Van Aanholt.

But, one area of Palace’s side that Big Sam failed to upgrade was their attack.

Our Eagles fans here in the Tavern are frustrated at the lack of support Christian Benteke has received up top – they reckon he hasn’t been able to show his full potential at the club due to the deficiency of quality around him.

Considering these issues, then, let’s have a look at Palace’s three biggest flops this season – according to our landlord…

Andros Townsend

He had it, then he lost it. Had it again, nope, lost it again.

This couldn’t be more fitting to Townsend’s time at Selhurst Park. Often creating moments of individual brilliance yet in other games you can’t tell if he’s even on the pitch – the ex-Spurs winger defines inconsistency.

Townsend’s tendency to go alone rather than looking to supply his teammates has been frustrating Palace fans for too long now, Allardyce needs to bench him.

Jason Puncheon

Known for his never-ending gas tank when bombing down the flanks, it’s hard to deny that Puncheon is a versatile asset for Palace, and he always puts a solid shift in.

However, the 30-year-old is without a goal or even an assist in his last ten league games, showing just how ineffective he has been on Palace’s wings of late.

Big Sam should think of swapping out Puncheon for Bakary Sako, who has just recently returned from a hamstring injury.

Joel Ward

In the 25 times that Ward has started in the league for Palace, he has only picked up two clean sheets.

The right-back is a shell of his former self, looking in previous seasons as one of Palace’s standout players, putting in a shift and the back and occasionally contributing to or nabbing a goal up top.

Allardyce should consider making some changes in his back line, potentially shoving new signing Jeffrey Schlupp in Ward’s position.

Agree, Palace fans? Let us know below!

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David Silva has established himself as one of the finest players in the Premier League since arriving in English football but Manchester City’s reliance on the Spaniard has eased following the captures of the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling.Despite that, Silva remains an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s side and the 31-year-old has featured in 23 of the Citizens’ 26 Premier League matches this term- whilst also being a regular in the Champions League campaign and the FA Cup.Throughout his time in England, Silva has been renowned as a quality player on the ball, capable of carving out opportunities for his team-mates whilst also having an eye for goal himself. Just how good he is though has only just been identified.

Since the 2011/12 campaign, David Silva has created a remarkable 500 chances in the Premier League- which is particularly impressive as he’s made 209 Premier League appearances since joining the Citizens from Valencia in 2010.

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Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles has told IBTimes UK that he wants to stay at the club, despite rumours that the Toffees are hunting for a new shot-stopper.

What’s the word?

Robles was forced to take a back seat at the start of the season when Maarten Stekelenburg was bought by manager Ronald Koeman.

However, after the newbie suffered injury in December, Robles took his chance and ended up starting 10 consecutive Premier League games and keeping six clean sheets.

The 26-year-old will come to the end of his contract in the summer of 2018, and even though the club are yet to open talks over fresh terms, he wants to stay.

Robles told IBTimes UK:

“My contract will expire next season but I’m not worried. We have not spoken about anything yet but my first choice will be [to stay] at Everton. I have it very clear and I will not leave until the club tell me that they don’t want me here. If they tell me that I will pack the suitcases and leave but I have very clear that priority is to stay at Everton.”

Will Robles get a look-in next season?

Depending on who Everton sign or if they even manage to recruit a new goalkeeper, it is highly likely that Robles will be ousted from the number one spot.

The transfer rumour mill has linked the Merseyside outfit to Manchester City outcast Joe Hart, as well as Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford, but what is clear is that Koeman is hunting for a new first-choice option.

From Robles’s point of view, if he wants to stay put then he will be required to fight for his place, which could end up being third-choice keeper.

It is worth the Spaniard holding off on a move away this summer, but he should also use that approach when signing a new deal, unless he is happy to take a backseat.

Since his current terms do not expire until the end of next season, it may be worth reassessing his position next January.

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In reality, Arsenal are playing for nothing more than pride at the Emirates Stadium against Bayern Munich this week.

Having been swept aside with the emphatic nature of a severe mismatch, Arsene Wenger’s Gunners must at least perform to a level that avoids a humiliation. A repeat of the first leg 5-1 smashing would mean the ugly, unenviable result of a double figure tally for the Bavarians over two legs.

Even Wenger’s top four spot is in jeopardy in the Premier League – something, particularly in the light of Alexis Sanchez’s dropping at the weekend, must change soon for Arsenal. They are on course for another largely disappointing campaign, but Wenger has shown little sign of really turning things around.

Bayern, even if progression is almost impossible, are opponents that should motivate Arsenal. They can prove something to themselves and to the rest of the footballing world with a positive performance and result on Tuesday night.

The question is, will Wenger name a team to enable that? With that in mind here are THREE stars he should axe…

Francis Coquelin

Unfortunately Mohamed Elneny is unavailable for the visit of Bayern, meaning Francis Coquelin will likely take up a midfield berth for Arsenal with his unique brand of reckless tackling, poor positional sense and clumsy fouling.

Too often thoughtless in possession, Coquelin is a severe risk against Bayern. He will be sucked in by the calm passing of their midfielders, leaving gaps for the opposition front three to exploit, as he did in the first leg (his stats are above).

In many ways, Coquelin epitomises the failings of Arsenal at the moment. His unlikely ascent to the first-team was impressive, but he is not a player to build a successful team around.

Gabriel

Although unlikely to play anyway, it is vital that Arsenal keep Gabriel miles away from their starting line-up. A liability in the first leg and a constant risk in defence, the Brazilian has really struggled throughout this season. He will be eaten alive by Bayern’s forwards once again if he gets on the pitch.

Defensive cover is a must for Arsenal next season unless Calum Chambers returns to the club. It’s hard to see how Gabriel turns this campaign around and ever becomes anything more than a glaring weakness.

Olivier Giroud

Javi Martinez and Mats Hummels are very, very good defenders. One thing they will both be able to cope with, however, is a less mobile centre forward like Olivier Giroud.

If Arsenal are to have any joy against Bayern they must attack them with pace, which should see Danny Welbeck, Lucas Perez and Alexis Sanchez all feature.

Giroud has his time and place for Arsenal. He is a quality striker with attributes that Arsenal should utilise more frequently, but matches with Liverpool and Bayern are not the time to opt for someone unable to run in behind a backline.

According to reports in The Sun, via HITC, West Ham United are said to be lining up a swoop on Premier League rivals Bournemouth for impressive forward Josh King.

The 25-year-old is enjoying his best-ever season at this level after scoring 11 goals in 28 top flight appearances – form which is starting to attract the interest of other managers.

Irons boss Slaven Bilic had the chance to see the attacker at his best – and not so best – when the Hammers were beaten 3-2 by the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium earlier this month – King took the match ball home as he scored a hat-trick, but missed a penalty too.

However, that was just a blip in a fine performance, and the Norway international has stepped up to the goalscoring plate for the south coast outfit following another serious injury suffered by striker Callum Wilson.

Usually playing just behind the striker or out wide, King’s stats for the season are certainly impressive.

His 11 goals in the Premier League have come from 36 shots at goal, which shows that the forward isn’t afraid to have a shot, and also doesn’t have a bad conversion rate considering he has never been a prolific player.

The 25-year-old has also shown he is a creator for Eddie Howe’s side too though, providing two assists for his teammates as well as 17 key passes.

King’s ability to run at defenders and cause them problems is probably one of the reasons he usually starts on the wing or in a less advanced role than the striker, and that is shown by the fact that he has completed 63 take-ons this term – something that West Ham have perhaps been missing in recent months following the departure of Dimitri Payet.

His 80% pass accuracy isn’t too shabby either for a forward, and it is no wonder that Bilic has been impressed with what he has seen.

While it wouldn’t be guaranteed that King could solve West Ham’s striker woes, he could certainly add goals and another dimension to the attack they have right now – if Bournemouth are willing to let him leave, that is.

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The belief of Newcastle United fans that they will be back in the Premier League next season is growing by the day.

On Wednesday night, Rafael Benitez’s side edged closer to automatic promotion with a 1-0 victory over Burton Albion at St James’ Park.

The Magpies sit at the top of the Championship table, one point above Brighton and 10 adrift of the playoffs with six games left to play.

Snatching all three points against Burton extended Newcastle’s unbeaten league run to three games, and the match did not go by without controversy.

The North-East outfit were given a penalty half an hour into the game after Dwight Gayle was fouled in the box, and Matt Ritchie converted from the spot.

The goal was disallowed by referee Keith Stroud due to Gayle encroaching in the penalty area, and an indirect free kick was given to Burton as a result.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) released a statement admitting after the match that the referee got it wrong and Ritchie should have been allowed to retake the penalty.

Luckily for the match officials, the decision was not too detrimental for the Magpies as Ritchie later scored to give the team a victory.

After the full whistle, fans tweeted their joy at the result.