Liverpool vs Manchester United: Five Key Talking Points
By Tom O'Keane
Manchester United head to Anfield in Matchday 19 of the Premier League, where they will face an undermanned Liverpool side.
Manchester United will be looking to maintain their great domestic form thus far in the league, currently sitting atop of the table.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will be hoping to continue their great run at home, with the Reds playing 67 games at Anfield without defeat.
Both sides will be looking to gain momentum as they enter the second half of the Premier League season.
Here are some of the main talking points ahead of Sunday’s clash:
Liverpool’s Centre-Back Conundrum
More from Liverpool FC
- “Dreadful” Liverpool defender was shunned for being “miles off” vs Wolves
- Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp’s agent FINALLY addresses rumours he’ll leave
- Liverpool will rival Manchester City for colossal Premier League defender
- Liverpool are advancing in talks to extend the contract of “top professional”
- Liverpool lose captain for a further game after ban extended for “abusive” language
Injuries to Virgil Van Dijk (knee) as well as Joe Gomez (knee) has forced Liverpool to adapt at the back.
With Joel Matip’s fitness also questionable following his injury in Liverpool’s draw with West Brom the Reds will be forced to make do with midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
Fabinho has so-far impressed in his new role at centre-back, however, his inexperience in big matches at the position will be unnerving against an in-form United attack.
Are Manchester United Genuine Title Contenders?
United’s outstanding form recently in the league has other sides on watch. The continued great form of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford has held United in great stead thus far.
Not to mention the re-emergence of Paul Pogba, who’s winner in the Red Devil’s previous match with Burnley cemented their position at the top of the league table. A win at Anfield would signal to the rest of the League that they should be considered as a major threat this season.
Liverpool’s Midfield Selection
With the likely selection of Henderson or Fabinho at centre-back, Jurgen Klopp will be looking to select a midfield to protect his newly formed defence.
With the return of marquee signing, Thiago, Klopp will have plenty of options in what will likely be a midfield trio. Thiago’s ability to create and find space will likely be favoured over the veteran presence of James Milner.
Liverpool’s predicted midfield: Wijnaldum, Thiago and Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Liverpool have won their last two home #PL meetings with Man Utd - they last won three in a row in 2011#LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/OQGIwvtaNL
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 17, 2021
Who Will Pair With Pogba?
Just like his counterpart, Ole Gunnar Solskjær also has plentiful options in the heart of midfield. December’s player of the month Bruno Fernandes will be a lock at the attacking midfielder position.
Solskjær has favoured playing two defensive pivots in recent weeks, which is likely to feature Paul Pogba following his impressive performance last week.
Man United’s predicted midfield: Matic, Fernandes and Pogba.
Must Read. Midfielder Will Quite Liverpool in the Summer. light
Liverpool Hoping to End Goal Drought
Liverpool have failed to record a win in any of their last three matches, also being unable to get on the scoresheet in the last two of these three outings.
Not since 2005 have the Reds failed to score in three consecutive matches. Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that the dangerous front three of Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah can end their goalless streak.