espnstar.com looks at three key battles that could help decide the game when Manchester City visit Anfield this weekend.

Rafael Benitez vs Mark Hughes
Benitez has found himself at the crossroads of his Liverpool career after a run of poor results - and the visit of big-spending Manchester City could prove to be a pivotal game. After a disappointing draw last time out at Anfield he will be looking for a positive reaction from both players and fans alike - and how he sets up his team will determine if he gets this. Firstly he needs to select players in form and play them in positions they are comfortable with, it's such an obvious thing to say but Rafa can be his own worst enemy at times by picking players to prove a point. He also needs to get the shape of his team right - making them difficult to break down at the back but with the ability to break forward and punish a City side that has its own defensive frailties.

Hughes has guided City to a respectable sixth place in the Premier League but will be bitterly upset at his side's inability to close out matches - they have now drawn their last five games in a row. Having spent heavily in the summer Hughes shoulders far greater expectations this year and will need to qualify for the Champions League to feel safe in his job. Like his opposite number he needs to get the balance of his side right - as too often City are brilliant in attack but leak goals at the back. He also needs to manage the ego's that undoubtedly exist in his dressing room and create a real team spirit rather than preside over a collection of individuals.

With both managers under intense pressure to deliver results it should be a fascinating afternoon on the sidelines.

Stephen Gerrard vs Stephen Ireland
The likely return of Liverpool talisman Steven Gerrard should be a massive boost for the home team's chances having missed their last seven games. Gerrard will bring the all-action style that Liverpool have been missing over recent weeks, providing a steady presence in the Reds engine room and a touch of class in the opposition half. He is capable of delivering long raking passes that can set his forwards through on goal and his driving runs into the City penalty areas will be a constant source of danger.

Stephen Ireland is the glue that holds the Man City team together, the guy who puts in the hard yards that allow his more illustrious colleagues to shine. Not only a tireless worker he can play a bit too - with good distribution, a great football brain and with a dangerous shot. Ireland will be instrumental in City's attempt to stifle the Liverpool midfield whilst also linking up with his forwards to provide an attacking threat.

Look out for sparks flying as these two go head-to-head with neither prepared to take a backwards step.

Fabio Aurelio vs Shaun Wright-Phillips
Aurelio is the type of player that sometimes goes un-noticed, but his ability on the ball and willingness to join the attack makes him a great asset. Like most Liverpool players he is neat and tidy on the ball, has good positional sense and has a trick or two that can take him past his opposite defender. He will need to be on his game to handle the lively Wright-Phillips, but if he can stick tight and force the winger backwards then he will reduce one of City's major threats.

Wright-Phillips has the pace and trickery to make any defender look silly and City will look to the diminutive winger to provide the ammunition for their front two. One of the most skilful players on the ball he can be a nightmare to play against as he twists and turns players inside out. Wright-Phillips has improved both his crossing and finishing under the guidance of City manager Mark Hughes and now has an end product to his undoubted ability.