Sergio Aguero v Mathias Jorgensen
Sergio Aguero has a formidable record against Huddersfield Town, having scored in three of the last four meetings with the Yorkshire sid
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The clinical Argentine scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture this campaign as City ran out 6-1 winners at the Etihad Stadium back in August. He also netted a penalty just after half-time in the 2-1 away victory at the John Smith’s Stadium last season.
However, only once has the star striker faced Town centre-half Mathias Jorgensen (Zanka) and somewhat not coincidentally, that is the only one of the last four meetings in which Aguero has failed to find the back of the net.
The Danish international will prove a solid test for Aguero this weekend, having made the most interceptions and tackles in the league of any Terriers player this season.
Not only is Zanka a confident and powerful defender, he is also a serious aerial threat at the other end of the pitch. The 6 ft 3 inch centre-back is Town’s top goal scorer this season, having netted three times.
Fernandinho v Alex Pritchard
One of the most intriguing battles on Sunday may come between two of the sides’ more unsung heroes.
Fernandinho has played every minute of the last five meetings between the two clubs and has tallied the second most successful passes of any City player in the league this season, with only Aymeric Laporte completing more.
The Brazilian will be tested in central midfield by arguably Town’s trickiest midfielder to play against Alex Pritchard, who rose through the academy ranks at Tottenham Hotspur.
Since sealing his move to the John Smith’s side in last season’s January transfer window, the former England Under-21 international has featured in both of the two meetings between the two sides; the 0-0 draw towards the end of last season and the 6-1 win for City at the beginning of this one.
Pritchard has missed just three games this term for the Terriers, playing his part in both of the side’s wins this season and creating an attacking outlet for the side whom are often forced to play the majority of the game with their backs to the wall.
Steve Mounie v John Stones
The plaudits have been plentiful for Stones this season – and no wonder.
The City and England central defender has been in imperious form, carrying on from his excellent form with the national team during last summer’s World Cup finals.
Cool, calm and composed under pressure and blessed with a metronomic passing ability, Stones continues to go from strength to strength and could well be a key figure again at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Carrying the fight to Stones and the Blues defence is likely to be Steve Mounie.
Leading the Huddersfield attack has been a tough task, but the Benin forward has never shied away from his duties.
His nine goals last season were a crucial factor in ensuring Huddersfield ‘t to flight survival and though Mounie has so far only found the target once so far in the league this term, he will relish pitting himself against the reigning champions.
Jonas Lossl v Ederson
As ever, the respective goalkeepers will have important roles to play in Sunday’s match-up.
Ederson has been a revelation ever since joining City from Benfica in the summer of 2017, endearing himself to Blues everywhere not just for his wonderful goalkeeping ability but thanks to his comfort on the ball too.
The latest demonstration of that came in our 3-0 win over Wolves last Monday when the keeper came out into the City midfield, producing a number of passes.
Danish keeper Lossl has been a model of consistency for the Terriers since making the move to the Terriers from German club Mainz, initially on loan, in the summer of 2017.
A brave shot-stopped blessed with great agility, Lossl played a vital role last season as Huddersfield proved a host of pundits wrong by retaining their Premier League status.
Given the Blues’ rich vein of form in front of goal, it Is likely he will be kept busy at the weekend.
