With that dreaded international break loomingly large, both Manchester City and Middlesbrough will battle it out this Saturday in search of a feel-good win. But where will the game be won and lost?

Saturday's clash at the Etihad Stadium will be the Spanish Inquisition as compatriots Aitor Karanka and Pep Guardiola will be hopeful of guiding their respective teams to three points.

Last weekend witnessed both sides end unwanted winless runs as City overcame West Brom while Boro claimed three points at home to Bournemouth.

Most people view the Citizens as the favourites for this contest as they boast home advantage and possess a far superior squad, however, you can never rule out a team as expertly assembled as Karanka's Teessiders, who beat City at the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup in 2015 against all the odds.

It looks set to be a tightly contested battle between the two teams, and here are some key duels ahead of this clash in Manchester...

John Stones vs. Alvaro Negredo

John Stones and Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola can be rightfully delighted with new signing John Stones, but despite his good form, the England international's inability to compete with physical centre-forwards has been an issue for a while.

This weekend will witness Stones come up against his worst nightmare, as 'The Beast' Alvero Negredo could cause him some serious problems.

Negredo needs to show an improvement in form if he is to damage his former club, and will have to be that battering-ram he once was during his time at Man City if Boro are to pull off a surprise victory.

Adama Traore vs. Aleksandar Kolarov

Kolarov

Not too dissimilar to John Stones' situation, Aleksandar Kolarov has always struggled to contain fast wingers with electric acceleration. So, Adama Traore will provide Kolarov with a number of worries ahead of this weekend's clash.

Traore expertly hunted Arsenal left-back, Nacho Monreal a few weeks ago, with only poor finishing preventing Boro from leaving the Emirates Stadium with a victory.

If Traore can successfully attack Kolarov, the outcome could be worrying for the 30-year-old Serb.

Ben Gibson vs. Sergio Aguero

Ben Gibson

The chairman's son will have the unenviable task of containing Sergio Aguero at the Etihad Stadium. The Argentine is apparently in bad form, but has struck 13 goals in 14 games for City this season.

Ben Gibson has been inspirational for the Teesiders this season, too, but he faces the most difficult task of his short Premier League career. Aguero has scored 29 goals in his last 29 league games and will be hopeful of rounding that off to a perfect 30 from 30 against Boro.

However good Aguero is, Gibson has not let his lack of experience effect Boro this season and remains one of their most consistent performers. The winner of this duel will probably see their team victorious at full-time.

Raheem Sterling vs. George Friend

Raheem Sterling v Swansea

This contest is the most crucial battle of the game as both in-form players' abilities have the potential to cause havoc to each other's defence.

Raheem Sterling has become a sensation under Pep Guardiola and continues to grow with each passing game. He has started every Premier League so far this season because of his ability to hurt defences with relative ease.

Nonetheless, George Friend will be confident of containing the in-form winger. The Boro ace will be searching for a chance to break forward and cause havoc against City's dodgy defensive line-up.

Aitor Karanka vs. Pep Guardiola

Aitor Karanka (5)

The big question this weekend will be whether Guardiola reverts to his new look 3-2-4-1 formation. City may have beaten West Brom 0-4 in the league last week, but they are yet to convince anyone that they have put their worst form behind them.

Guardiola's tactical knowledge is incredible, however, Aitor Karanka was taught by his arch-nemesis, Jose Mourinho. Karanka’s tactics have enabled Boro to develop from Championship obscurity to Premier League stardom. If he get's his tactics right this weekend, he may record Boro's first back-to-back victories in the top-flight since 2008.