Liverpool vs. Manchester United: 3 Key Battles That Will Decide The Game

The biggest clash of the weekend sees Manchester United travel to bitter rivals Liverpool on Sunday. Earlier when the two sides met, it was United who got the win with a 3-1 score line, the pick of the goals however, came from Christian Benteke who got Liverpool’s consolation goal and it was also the game in which Anthony Martial showcased his ability with a mesmerising run and finish.

Liverpool go into the game coming off a 3-3 draw against Arsenal, United also drew 3-3 and both teams had contrasting last-minute finishes. Liverpool scored in their game while United conceded, though no one would have expected such frantic games for the teams, United fans would at least be pleased with the attack if not the defence.

This would be the first time Jurgen Klopp faces Manchester United but his team still have to deal with injuries though they should be expecting James Milner and Jordan Henderson to continue in their roles, it would be the defence that Klopp would be worried about and the goalkeeping problems that have plagued Liverpool for quite a while.

Manchester United as such do not have major injury worries and will bank on the form of Wayne Rooney who scored a brace in the draw against Newcastle and he would be looking to score against the old enemy at Anfield.

This game will be littered with battles all around the park and here are the three main battles that can decide the game.

1. Emre Can vs. Morgan Schneiderlin

 

The rejuvenation of Emre Can from an option to play in defence to a dynamic midfielder who does the work in attack and defence has to be one of the standout changes that Jurgen Klopp has brought for the team. Can is slowly turning into the heartbeat of Liverpool and he would have to do much more than that if Liverpool are to win against Manchester United.

In his way could be another player who has done pretty well this season, Morgan Schneiderlin, the French midfielder could well get to start the game against Liverpool and would have to ensure that he breaks up all the attacks and runs from Can and the other players that Liverpool might throw at United.

2. Mamadou Sakho vs. Wayne Rooney

A couple of goals in the 3-3 draw against Newcastle certainly gave the Rooney haters some time to cool off. The Manchester United captain has found the back of the net in recent times and he would be charged up to score against the old enemy but he would have to deal with the physicality of Mamadou Sakho.

The French defender doesn’t seem to be the best with the ball at his feet but when it comes to using his physicality against forwards, Sakho is right up there as one of the best. Jurgen Klopp would hope that the defender can keep Rooney quiet during the game and hopefully won’t be making those rather heart-stopping passes out of defence.

3. Nathaniel Clyne vs. Anthony Martial

Nathaniel Clyne has been one of the most consistent players since his impressive performances for Southampton and he has carried that form at Liverpool as well. The England right-back would be taking on one of the quickest attackers in Anthony Martial in the weekend and this would be a great battle to keep an eye out for.

Martial might start on the wing and that would give a lot of headaches to Clyne but the Liverpool defender also has a lot of pace to counter the French attacker’s movement and would need to shut him down if Liverpool want to get revenge for the loss suffered earlier.