Table toppers Liverpool visit free scoring Manchester City
in the a Boxing Day fiesta. 18 Yard Box takes a look at the two important
battles on field tonight.
Manchester City have scored 51 goals in the season so far.
However, Liverpool have not been behind either. With Suarez leading the title
charge, the Merseysiders visit the Eithad with 42 to their name. Plenty of
stars will be on the pitch but we have picked two such battles that could prove
to be vital.
Have a read.
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VINCENT KOMPANY V/S LUIS SUAREZ
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The big Belgian centre half will not have it easy when pitted against
the world’s most in-form player. Vincent Kompany has had a mixed season so
far. Individually good but less number of clean sheets to show for his
performances, the hefty Belgian international has led the Manchester City
side brilliantly at home this season. A great header of the ball, Kompany is
also an excellent reader of the game. He also has the uncanny knack of
stepping up in the big games and when it matters the most. His pace is quite
deceptive for a person of such a heavy built. However, for him, this season has not been
fruitful. With the absence of Nastasic and poor form of Lescott and Hart,
Kompany has seen the goal behind him ripple 20 times. And with the free scoring Liverpool side to
come, this could worsen still.
Kompany will definitely will have a task in his hand as he would be
give the responsibility of marking Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan hitman has become a hero for
the Merseysiders after what looked like it could be the last season for him
following the summer transfer fiasco. Signing a new deal and scoring a scintillating
19 goals in 12 PL matches, Suarez is leaving no stone unturned in the bid to
lead Liverpool to their 19th title. The slippery striker has an
uncanny knack of finding goals from situations you would hardly imagine.
Following the injury of Daniel Sturridge, Suarez has taken the mantel of not
only fufilling his quota but also the quota of the injured Englishman.
It would definitely be interesting as how City decide to keep Suarez
at bay. Kompany alone would not be the ideal solution and Lescott would also
have to stay on toes. Its Suarez’s battle to lose. If he gets the ball in any
position from where he can have a sight at goal, u can expect the net
bulging.
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YAYA TOURE V/S JORDAN HENDERSON
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Liverpool were much criticized
for signing Jordan Henderson from Sunderland few season ago. However in the
absence of Gerrard, the young Englishman has improved his game to quite an
extent. His vision coupled with his work rate for the team makes him one of
the unsung heroes in Liverpool’s title charge. Having scored one and assisted
five, Henderson has acted as a playmaker in the 3 man midfield which
Liverpool have adopted off lately. He possesses the ability to get into
clever positions and also see the pass before anyone else can. He certainly
is filling Gerrard’s boots for now.
However, it wont be easy as
he will be against arguably the world’s most complete midfielder. Big powerful
runs , slick passing and belter of a shot are the various qualities which
Yaya Toure brings to the Manchester City midfield. He not only contributes to
the offensive side but also to the defensive performances of the team.
Stopping the Ivorian will be a tough ask and with Fernandinho helping him, it
will be a difficult battle to win. Moreover, Henderson is not much known for
his defensive work and this could well be exploited by the Manchester City
duo. Although Lucas would be the man to look after them, giving the Brazilian
a helping hand will surely be required.
In this battle Toure seems
to be the man to watch out for as his experience and powerful personality
could be too much for Henderson.
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Rishabh Ghai
Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International, contributor for AIS and a writer and editor for 18 Yard Box.
Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter
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