Liverpool vs Manchester United: Tactical Preview
If there is a manager who has the same amount of hate for Liverpool as Sir Alex Ferguson, it has to be Jose Mourinho. Whether it is branding the Reds a “small club” or handing them one of their worst defeats at Anfield in recent memory, the new United manager has done it all. This will fuel the fire in an already polarized fixture.
The timing of this match couldn’t have been better either. After earning an undeserved draw against Stoke at home, the Red Devils would want to bounce back immediately. Pogba was also in stellar form for France during the international break. He capped a strong performance with a 30-metre screamer which silenced all his critics.
While United are trying to find form, Liverpool would want to keep their good run going. It looks as though Klopp has finally made this side his own. They have been Gegenpressing their opponents in a non-stop fashion. Also, their incisive attack has been laying waste to defenses all around the league as well. Having won 4 out of their past 5 matches, they are fourth in League. They can possibly move to 2nd if they win this match and fixtures elsewhere go their way.
Manchester United – Team News & Tactics
Phil Jones continues to be on the sidelines. Henrik Mkhitaryan didn’t feature in Armenia’s two World-Cup Qualifiers during the international break. This makes it hardly likely that he would be available for this fixture. While Luke Shaw didn’t feature for the national side as well, he could return as left back.
The likes of Paul Pogba, Eric Bailey would be looking to brush off some international tiredness. Established starters Zlatan and Mata along with nine other members of the senior squad didn’t feature in international matches and had plenty of time to themselves.
The combination of Herrera and Pogba looks the best possible duo in midfield for Mourinho. Though Mourinho can use Fellaini instead of Herrera too. Though this thought might induce a heart attack in the hearts of many United faithful. Wayne Rooney might be relegated to the bench.
Probable Lineup ( 4-2-3-1 ): De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Blind; Herrera Pogba; Martial, Mata, Rashford; Zlatan
Liverpool – Team News and Tactics
An injury to Dutch international Georginio Wijnaldum is a concern for the Reds. The former Newcastle man is listed as doubtful. This could have serious implications on the result of this match as Wijnaldum has played a pivotal part in Klopp’s side. Adam Lallana has not been back in action either ever since suffering an injury.
Though Liverpool fans would be delighted to hear that both Dejan Lovern and Nathanial Clyne would be back in action. Thus would definitely strengthen a Liverpool side that is dealing with significant injury woes.
Emre Can could start the fixture. After suffering a knock at the beginning of the season he is finally back to full fitness.
Probable Lineup ( 4-3-3 ) Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Can; Milner, Coutinho, Henderson; Mane, Sturridge, Firmino
Key Stats : (Taken From FourFourTwo)
Liverpool have lost more Premier League matches (27) and also the most league matches (67) against Manchester United than versus any other opponent.
The Reds have lost each of their last four Premier League clashes with Manchester United, their worst league losing streak against the Red Devils since March 2008 (five defeats).
Liverpool have lost their last two league meetings with Manchester United at Anfield. So, they would be pumped up to turn the tide in their favor.
Jurgen Klopp has lost just one of his five meetings with Jose Mourinho (W3 D1), with that defeat coming in 2013 via a 2-0 home win for Real Madrid v Dortmund in the Champions League semi-final second leg.
Since Jurgen Klopp was appointed as Liverpool manager in October 2015, the Reds have scored more goals than any other Premier League team (73) and have had the highest average possession figure (58.8%).
Juan Mata has had a hand in five goals in his last four appearances against Liverpool in the Premier League, scoring three and assisting two.
Only Steven Gerrard (8) has scored more goals in this Premier League fixture than Wayne Rooney (6 – level with Robbie Fowler).
Prediction
Liverpool 1 – 1 Man Utd
The absence of Wijnaldum and Lallana will definitely hit Liverpool hard. They were focal points of their Klopp’s offense. Without them, the Reds will find hard to break through the United’s defence. Despite Liverpool’s injury woes it is hard to imagine that United would be able to overcome their in-form rivals. The Red Devils offense has lacked clinical finishing even though they have been able to create plenty of chances. This problem will become even more evident against Liverpool as they would have to deal with Klopp’s Gegenpressing.