Match Preview: Manchester United vs. Liverpool

The Premier League returns this week with yet another big game as Manchester United take on arch rivals Liverpool in a game pegged to throw open their bid for Champions’ League qualification. 6^th placed United have been on a 9 match winning streak but continue to trail league leaders Chelsea by 10 points. Liverpool have been in breath-taking form in front of goal and by far look the closest to match Chelsea’s relentless march towards the title but their form off late has been patchy which United would look to capitalise on.

18Yardbox’s Pranav Shenoy has a look:

Manchester United

Manchester United had a turbulent start to their campaign which saw Jose Mourinho failing to identify his best starting eleven and integrate new signings into the first team. Over the next few months, United’s performances improved drastically but they failed to make their chances count resulting in a string of draws. United have since gone on a 9 match winning streak across all competitions. In an encouraging sign for Mourinho, United have scored 20 goals in their last nine games with nine players getting their names on the score sheet.

Will the Special One still be smiling at the end of this one?

United’s Turnaround

2016/17	Wins	Losses	Draws	Goals Scored	Goals Allowed
Last 9 games	9	0	0	20	3
Earlier 9 games	4	4	1	16	7

Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

David De Gea, Antonio Valencia, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Talking Points

United's trio would look to make an impact

The man at the heart of Manchester United’s attacking resurrection is 35 year old Zlatan Ibrahimovic who has netted 13 goals in 19 appearances since his arrival from Paris St. Germain. The talismanic Swede would look to exploit Liverpool’s shaky defence and make up for his missed chance during the game at Anfield. United have an array of attacking talent at their disposal with the likes of Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney struggling to find a spot in the starting eleven. Based on recent performances, Anthony Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan should probably start for United.

After signing Paul Pogba for a world record transfer fee, Jose Mourinho struggled to find him an ideal midfield partner. The introduction of Carrick and Herrera in midfield has allowed Pogba to push forward and attack, a position in which he thrives. United shall, however, miss the services of Centre Back Eric Baily who will be representing Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations.

Liverpool

Klopp's men are known to steal victories away from home in big games

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have played put on some of the League’s most breathtaking attacking displays. Their free-flowing style of play coupled with Klopp’s famed Gengen-pressing has made Liverpool one of the most potent attacking units with an average of 2.90 goals per game. With the likes of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Phillipe Coutinho and Adam Lallana in their midst Liverpool are capable of dismantling any defence in the league. Liverpool may be second in the league but all is not well with the Reds. Liverpool’s leaky backline has resulted in a few mishaps like the games against Burnley and Bournemouth. Liverpool’s form off-late has been patchy with a draw against Sunderland in the league, a draw against Plymouth in the FA cup and a loss against Southampton in the EFL Cup.

Probable Starting XI (4-3-3)

Simon Mignolet, Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan, James Milner, Adam Lallana, Emre Can, Jordan Henderson, Phillippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino

Talking Points

Will Mane's absence make all the difference?

The absence of top scorer Sadio Mane who is on African Cup of Nations duty will surely affect Klopp’s preparation for the game. Mane has been the driving force behind Liverpool’s exploits in front of goal this season. Mane’s pace, physicality and lethal finishing have rendered Liverpool a force to reckon with. However, Liverpool would welcome back the diminutive Brazilian maestro Phillipe Coutinho who returns from an injury layoff. Adam Lallana has been in scintillating form this season netting in 7 goals and 7 assists for the Reds. He would look to continue his run of good form alongside Roberto Firmino who has scored 6 goals and 3 assists. With Jordan Henderson’s influence in midfield and Emre Can’s work rate Liverpool pose a strong threat to United’s winning streak. Liverpool’s notorious defence will be a cause for concern for Jurgen Klopp who would look to plug the gaps at the back, possibly replacing Ragnar Klavan with Joel Matip.

Predictions

Anthony Martial, Who?: A dream debut but can he repeat his feat

The last time these sides met a goalless draw was a huge positive for Jose Mourinho and his men but the situation has changed since. United would look to capitalise on Liverpool’s shaky form and rise up the table. Jose Mourinho has not had the best of times against Jurgen Klopp. In their 6 meetings, Mourinho has managed only 1 win and has lost 3 games, a record he would like to change. Liverpool, on their part, has not had the best of time at Old Trafford having lost 11 out of their last 14 games at the Theatre of Dreams. Liverpool’s last win at Old Trafford came in the 3-0 mauling of United during David Moyes’ disastrous 2014 campaign. Neutrals would love to see United get one over their rivals from Merseyside and throw open the race for the Top 4. Based on current form and recent history, United look all set to continue their unbeaten streak against Liverpool with a narrow victory on Sunday. 

Written by,

Pranav Shenoy

(@Devilshenoy93)

Pranav is a contributor/ writer for 18YardBox