Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield in one of the biggest clashes of the year on Sunday. The game will live up to its hype after being billed as one of the most exciting matches to watch. Although Liverpool start the week on top of the table, United are not too far behind in 6th place.
The gulf in class this season has been apparent, with Liverpool notching up 42 points already while United have a meagre 26. It will be an interesting match, and one that takes Jose Mourinho’s men out of their comfort zones.
Liverpool
Although Egyptian Mohamed Salah is surely the most in-form player in the Premier League at the moment, only a fool will say Liverpool are heavily dependent on him. Roberto Firmino has found his old touch, and with Sadio Mane now out of the injury list, the Reds have an enviable front three.
Liverpool’s defence has been breached only on 6 occasions this season. They have maintained 10 clean sheets, and all credit is due to goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defenders, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson. Robertson is also a threat higher up the pitch, and can torment opposition defences.
Naby Keita is back in the team, and helped by old war horses, James Milner and Jordan Henderson in part, Liverpool’s midfield has no reason for worry at all.
Predicted line-up
Alisson; Robertson, van Dijk, Lovren, Clyne; Milner, Keita, Shaqiri; Mane, Firmino, Salah.
Manchester United
Although Manchester United were beaten by Valencia 2-1 in the Champions League midweek, there is no real cause for concern for Jose Mourinho, apart from the usual defensive worries. Injuries have plagued his team, but they must surely find a way to overcome them.
Romelu Lukaku needs to start taking more responsibility in the attacking third of the pitch to give United a chance. Marcus Rashford has been seen as a leader by Jose Mourinho, and he needs to step up as well.
Ashley Young, Juan Mata, and Fred need to step up to the plate if there is to be any chance for United to have a win at Anfield. Nemanja Matic needs to be dropped again, and Marouane Fellaini should be started in midfield.
Predicted line-up
De Gea; Young, Bailly, Rojo, Dalot; Fred, Fellaini, Pogba, Mata; Rashford, Lukaku.
