Midfield
Central Midfield: Jordan Henderson vs. Ander Herrera
The Liverpool engine had an excellent season in a new formation under Brendan Rodgers. His work rate and passing skills were well utilised played in front of Gerrard who did the deep-playmaking last season. It would be interesting to see how he adapts to yet another formation change after the departure of star attacker Luis Suarez who was tailor made for the 4-4-2 diamond. Henderson’s previous seasons have been pretty ordinary along with some average displays in the World Cup as well. Ander Herrera was bought for huge money by a desperate Manchester United side and is yet to prove himself in the League. His play against LA Galaxy was very impressive but that match is hardly any stage to judge the player. It would be unfair particularly on Herrera to judge him and compare him on the price tag he has. Herrera is good technically and works hard in both offense and defense and is a key addition to the squad. Henderson vs. Herrera here is a draw.
Central Midfield: Steven Gerrard vs. Maraoune Fellaini
Steven Gerrard has been a key figure for the Reds in his legendary stay at Anfield. His role as a holding midfielder was always under the scanner but the recently retired England Captain showed yet again that he is mature and versatile enough to play in any midfield position for the team. Fellaini on the other hand had excellent seasons at Everton but struggled to gel in Man Utd. He was often criticised for lack of flair and vision, and his huge price tag often haunted him. He had a good world cup with Belgium using him as a target man. While he was huge misfit in Man Utd’s last season, the Red Devils are still struggling to get a fitting partner for Ander Herrera. If they don’t get a World Class central midfielder soon enough, especially with Vidal and Strootman ruling out Man Utd moves, Fellaini would have to step up. Though, Gerrard wins this battle hands down.
Attacking Midfield: Adam Lallana vs. Juan Mata
Adam Lallana had a strong season with Southampton as he led his side to their best Premier League finish. Liverpool bought him from Southampton this Summer. He can play a key role, especially as the Reds needed someone in the attacking midfield to support strikers. Lallana would operate in the wings often changing positions with the central players. Juan Mata on the other hand struggled under Jose Mourinho’s high work-rate game style but revelled in Man Utd’s style of play. A classic playmaker, Mata is capable of operating from the wings and drifting in the central position and spreading up play. In his main season at Chelsea, the 2012-13, Mata accounted for 20 goals and 35 assists in all competition, a whopping statistic. A proven Premier League player, Mata can affect the game singlehandedly. Mata may need to get his work-rate sorted out under van Gaal though, as the manager is pretty much similar to Mourinho in that regard. Yet as of now, the former Chelsea superstar wins this battle with the former Southampton skipper.
Attacking Midfield/Second Striker: Phillipe Coutinho vs. Wayne Rooney
Coutinho is most likely to play in his favoured position behind the striker with Henderson and Gerrard offering him cover. Coutinho has always shown flair and quality on the pitch but has generally been overshadowed without bounds by players like Sterling and Henderson along with the usual stars Gerrard, Sturridge and Suarez. This season will be crucial for the Brazilian. Wayne Rooney has been a proven Premier League performer in this decade and has a really good and consistent record with Manchester United. He struggled to find adequate form in the World Cup, but in United colours, he is always a vital player. With Louis van Gaal coming in, we can expect Rooney to operate as a support striker to van Persie and the Englishman is expected to thrive in the new manager’s system. The United star wins the battle over Liverpool’s Coutinho.
Attacking Midfield: Raheem Sterling vs. Adnan Januzaj
Raheem Sterling has been a star turn for Liverpool last season and also for England in this World Cup. Sterling’s flair, pace and quality have been mouth-watering to watch this season and revelled under ideal conditions for young talent to emerge. Suarez and Sturridge hogged most of the limelight and literally took the pressure off Sterling. Manchester United are likely to rotate their last attacking midfield position with Januzaj, Valencia, Nani, Young and Kagawa. The most promising of these attackers has been Januzaj. Young and full of tricks, the Belgian starlet can have a good season this time out. Drew a lot of media attention towards himself because of other stars’ lacklustre showing, but Januzaj still delivered on his small expectations. This season would be huge for the youngster, but as of now Sterling has been way more important for his team than Januzaj and the others involved in this position for Man Utd.
Liverpool vs Manchester united (Possible Lineup Comparison)
Striker:
Daniel Sturridge vs. Robin van Persie
It’ll be interesting to watch how last season’s second top scorer adjusts to life without strike partner Suarez. A deadly finisher and now developed into an out and out striker, Sturridge has the weight of his team on his shoulders and would need to bang goals just like he did last season. Robin van Persie plays his best for managers whom he respects. After consecutive seasons of scoring more than 25 Premier League goals, van Persie endured an injury hit season at United under struggling manager David Moyes. But his World Cup form and favourable and known working conditions with Louis van Gaal is testimony to the fact that van Persie is Man Utd’s key for next season. Even in last season’s injury hit times, he usually scored goals whenever he was on show, which means the quality and the desire is still there in the Flying Dutchman. The Former Arsenal captain and Manchester United’s a main weapon wins the battle over English star Daniel Sturridge.
Rivalry Eleven: 6 Liverpool and 5 Man United players
Goalkeeper: De Gea; Flanagan, Skrtel, Sakho, Shaw; Gerrard, Henderson; Mata, Rooney, Sterling; van Persie
Final Verdict:
Which of the two rivals is stronger to fight for UCL Qualification in the Premier League?
On paper, Manchester United are currently ahead of their rivals. After the loss of Luis Suarez, Liverpool are in a situation of pressure to convince their doubters that they weren’t a one season wonder. Man United on the other hand have got a maverick manager van Gaal who hates losing and has a huge CV. With more star signings to be made by both clubs, we cannot predict which team is stronger before the window actually ends in the end of August. As of now, Man United have better attackers and a decent defenders who can do the job. Liverpool lost their key attacker and are yet to make a world class signing in their attack, while their defence which has individually talented defenders, collectively leaked a lot of goals that is unheard of for a team that finished second in the League. Cause for worry? No. Rodgers is expected to deal with them, and the real strength and the quality of the side will be determined by his activities in the window.
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