5 Key Battles: Manchester United vs Liverpool
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After what has seemed like an eternity, Liverpool return to Premier League action on Sunday when they travel to Old Trafford to take on rivals Manchester United.
With eight wins from eight in the league, Jurgen Klopp’s men go to Manchester with many expecting a comprehensive victory, given the poor form of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side so far this season.
Since Liverpool’s defeat to Napoli in the Champions League, the Reds have won all five of their matches, while United have picked up three draws and two losses.
For United, the arrival of Jurgen Klopp’s men to Old Trafford on Sunday could go one of two ways.
With such awful form this season, United will be hoping that one of the biggest games of the season will see them finally turn up.
If they are to perform at their best, they may have to do so without injured pair David De Gea and Paul Pogba.
For the Reds, it is a case of picking up from where they were before the international break.
Ahead of the big game, we’ve outlined five key battles Liverpool must win on the pitch…
Sadio Mane vs Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The Senegalese forward was in tremendous form before the international break, most recently with a well-taken goal against Leicester City.
Mane’s battle on Liverpool’s left against the defence-minded Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be crucial to the outcome of this game.
Virgil van Dijk vs Marcus Rashford
Rashford is likely to lead the line for United again this week, with the Red Devils lacking in striking options.
His battle against the imperious Van Dijk is likely to be his toughest test so far this season.
Roberto Firmino vs Harry Maguire
Prior to the international break, Firmino’s scintillating start to the season was followed up with a few quiet performances.
His battle with a United back-line that have struggled so far this season could be a good way to hit the ground running again, however, in what looks to be a testing period for the Reds.
Trent Alexander-Arnold vs Dan James
It is set up to be a battle of the youngsters on Liverpool’s right flank.
With Alexander-Arnold’s attacking influence pivotal to the Reds’ overall play, his battle with the impressive James will be interesting.
This could be a battle for years to come.
Fabinho vs Nemanja Matic
While there may be little head-to-head involvement, this battle will be crucial, given the similar roles Fabinho and Matic play for their respective teams.
As holding midfielders, the duo will be important when it comes to ensuring their respective defensive unit remains strong.
Given the recent form of the two teams, you would expect Fabinho to come out on top.
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Who will win on Sunday afternoon?
Liverpool
Manchester United
