3 Key Battles To Watch Out For When Manchester United Host Fierce Rivals Liverpool This Weekend

One of the biggest rivalries in the Premier League is set to resume this weekend as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will travel to the Old Trafford to face their arch rivals in search of all three points. The Reds are still without a victory in all competitions in the New Year and would love to change the trend at the weekend but Manchester United are now unbeaten in their last 15 games in all competitions and are slowly moving up the points table.

It is a game that can make or break Liverpool’s chances of a title and with the stakes that high, it is bound to be an entertaining affair. With both teams having some star players in their ranks, there are some individual battles on the field that can light up the game. Here are three such battles that can go on to decide the outcome of the game:

Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs Dejan Lovren:

With 13 goals and 3 assists so far in the Premier League, Zlatan, at his age, is still one of the most effective players in the league. He has been sublime at times in front of goal and though he has had his off days, he has been one of the most influential players for the Red Devils this season. He will be up against Croatian defender Dejan Lovren, who is slowly finding some form. He has helped Liverpool to some decent performances recently but will have to be at his best to keep the Swede away from goal. Surely, it is a clash that can have an impact on the result on the night.

Roberto Firmino vs Phil Jones:

Liverpool are expected to play the Brazilian attacker Roberto Firmino as a false-9 in this game against Manchester United as they will try to use him to find space in behind United’s defensive line. Firmino, who has not been able to affect the games in the last few weeks, will have a huge responsibility on his shoulder as he will have to shoulder the burden of creating chances in the final third.

And in that case, he will have to contend with the English defender Phil Jones at the back for United. Jones, is currently the first choice center back for Mourinho in the absence of Eric Bailly and he will have to be clever in marking the Brazilian. He will have to make sure that he does not find space or time on the ball and should also keep his defensive line intact, making his work that much harder. Surely, this is a battle worth the wait.

Paul Pogba vs Emre Can:

The French midfielder for Manchester United is finally finding his feet in the Premier League and he will be fired up for the big occasion at the weekend. He will hope to make things happen in the midfield for his side but he will be marked by Emre Can from Liverpool. The German was out of sorts in the League Cup semi-final against Southampton recently but with injuries to key players in the squad, he will get to start this game at the Old Trafford. He will have to stay tight to Pogba and make sure that he does not give him a chance to weave his magic if Liverpool are to take anything from this game. This midfield battle has the potential to decide the outcome of the game.