Virgil van Dijk v Sergio Aguero

Looking ahead to the visit of Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, the Premier League clash will be awash with mouthwatering match ups. The most exciting battle will be between Liverpool record signing Virgil van Dijk and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero. The Reds made the Dutch defender their club record signing following a £75m deal with Southampton in the January transfer window. Van Dijk scored on his Liverpool debut thanks to late headed winner in a 2-1 win over Everton in FA Cup third round last week. While the 26-year-old will provide a big threat attacking set-pieces, the former Saints captain has been signed to improve Jurgen Klopp’s defence. His first test will come on Sunday when one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers features at Anfield. Aguero is Manchester City’s record goal-scorer. He started the Citizens’ 5-0 rout of Liverpool at The Etihad last term. Van Dijk has the pace and mobility to cope with Aguero, but will he be able to shoulder the expectation at Anfield?

Sadio Mane v Kyle Walker

Sadio Mane will have a point to prove against Manchester City this weekend. The Senegal international scored in Liverpool’s opening three Premier League games. However, Mane’s impressive start to the season came to a shuddering halt at The Etihad. The 24-year-old winger appeared to be causing Manchester City’s defence problems before Aguero scored against the run of play. Minutes later, Mane was issued with a straight red card for a high tackle on Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. The Citizens eased to a 5-0 win and Mane hasn’t been able to recover his momentum. The former Saints winger will come up against one of the world’s best right-backs, Kyle Walker. It will be an intriguing battle between the pair. Walker likes to get forward to support Manchester City’s attacks, which could give Mane space to exploit.

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Emre Can v Kevin De Bruyne

Liverpool will be without club captain Jordan Henderson for the visit of the Premier League leaders this weekend. His absence could be interpreted as a good or bad thing, depending on your opinion of Henderson. Emre Can will certainly bring more mobility and a superior passing range to the holding role. However, the German lacks the discipline of Henderson. This could play into Kevin De Bruyne’s hands. The Belgium international has ripped apart plenty of Premier League defences this season with his pinpoint passing. Can will need to resist the temptation to get forward and support Reds’s attack. Otherwise, De Bruyne will have plenty of time and space to pick apart Liverpool’s new-look back four.