Manchester United vs. Liverpool: 5 key matchups
By Liam Bekker
Manchester United host Liverpool in the North-West derby on Saturday. Here are five key matchups that could decide the result.
One of soccer’s biggest rivalries will take center stage on Saturday, when Manchester United host Liverpool in the Premier League. There’s a lot at stake with the sides battling for second place, but history suggests it will be a tight affair. The last three encounters between the sides have all ended in a draw. Here are five head-to-head matchups that could prove the difference if there’s to be a winner.
Jose Mourinho vs. Jurgen Klopp
Depending on which side you’re on, Jose Mourinho is either renowned or infamous for his defensive approach to bigger matches. Under Mourinho, United have been set up to frustrate opposition and capitalize on their mistakes in order to get a result. It’s undeniable that he’s mastered this craft and he’ll in all likelihood employ the same tactics on Saturday.
Conversely, Jurgen Klopp is known for a more attacking approach. Liverpool have become one of the most exciting teams to watch and will look to attack from the start. Klopp will set his team up to run at United’s defense with pace and wear them down through attrition.
David de Gea vs. Mohamed Salah
A mouthwatering clash if ever there was one. David de Gea and Mohamed Salah have been two of the outstanding players in the Premier League this season. United’s De Gea has kept more clean sheets than any other player while Liverpool’s Salah is the joint top goalscorer.
De Gea has single-handedly and consistently dragged United to points with some spectacular saves. Salah has scored in each of his last five matches, and 24 times in total. Both players are proven match-winners and are the most likely to be the difference for their respective sides on Saturday.
Romelu Lukaku vs. Loris Karius
While de Gea and Salah are the headlinegrabbers, a similar battle will take place between Romelu Lukaku and Loris Karius. Both players drew criticism for the inconsistencies of their early performances but have shown an upturn in form in recent weeks.
Lukaku has scored seven goals in his last 10 appearances across all competitions while Karius has conceded only once in his last five. The jury is still out on both players, though, and the result could depend on whether they’re able to bring their ‘A’ game on the day or not.
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Paul Pogba vs. Emre Can
The midfield battle will be an intriguing one and may well be decided between the two sides’ powerhouses. Paul Pogba has quietly impressed since his mega-money return to Machester while Emre Can has consistently performed for Liverpool despite speculation surrounding his future.
The pair will be tasked by their respective managers with the role of controlling the midfield. Pogba will naturally be afforded more defensive protection with Nemanja Matic alongside him while Liverpool’s midfield depth will see Can supported by any of a number of forward-thinking players.
Alexis Sanchez vs. Virgil van Dijk
The two January signings will both be looking to make their mark in their first north-west derby. Sanchez has scored only once in his opening five matches but his pace and directness have added a new dimension to United’s attack. It’s this same pace and directness which Mourinho will look to utilize when hitting Liverpool on the break.
Club-record signing Virgil van Dijk has been a major factor in Liverpool’s recent defensive improvements. He’ll be the organizer in chief for the side on Saturday. With Sanchez likely to sit in behind Lukaku, or cut in from out wide, van Dijk will have to be on top of his game to nullify the threat the Chilean poses.