Premier League’s Monday night football brings two of the most successful clubs in English football against each other. Jurgen Klopp’s high-flying Liverpool will take on Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United at Anfield in the first North-West Derby of the season. It’s a huge occasion whenever these two sides face each other. The two fanbases absolute hate each other to the core and why wouldn’t they! They have 38 League titles between them and have a century-old debate about who is the better of the two.
Liverpool have the opportunity to catch Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the table on points and a big win can also take them to the top. Jose Mourinho Vs Jurgen Klopp- it will be an exciting game when the two world class and animated managers take on each other.
Team news
Liverpool
A groin problem means Adam Lallana is a major doubt for Liverpool, along with Georginio Wijnaldum after he was injured playing for the Netherlands. However, both of them are not ruled out but unlikely to be risked by Klopp. Defenders Nathaniel Clyne and Dejan Lovren are back in contention and fit-again Emre Can could make a first league start of the season.
Manchester United
Phil Jones is the only player sidelined for the Red Devils. Otherwise, Mourinho has a fully fit squad in his hands. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and defender Luke Shaw are fit for the trip to Anfield following injuries.
Predicted lineups
Liverpool: Karius; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner; Lucas, Can, Henderson; Mane, Firmino, Coutinho
Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Bind; Herrera, Pogba; Rashford, Mata, Lingard; Ibrahimovic
Tactical setups
Liverpool will be looking play their natural style of attacking football but Lallana and Wijnaldum will be two big misses. Lucas will slot into defensive midfield allowing Henderson to pull the trigger from an advanced position. The fluid front three of Liverpool Mane, Firmino and Coutinho will be looking to show their true colours as they have done on more of a regular basis this season.
Jose Mourinho usually takes a cautious approach against big teams and as this is an away game, we expect the Red Devils to play in a safety first formula. The back four will sit deep and Herrera will also sit quite deep in order to stop the high-flying Liverpool attack. They will try to hit on the break and the pace of Rashford and Lingard will be the key for them.
Key players
Liverpool- Philippe Coutinho
Liverpool’s number ten Coutinho is a big game player and always turns up in the biggest of occasions for his side when his team needs him the most. United are likely to defend deep in order to stop the Liverpool attack and Coutinho will be therefore a pivotal player. He is a big threat against sides those defend deep with his long-range prowess. Mourinho has to ensure that his side can cope with the threat posed by the flamboyant Brazilian international.
Manchester United- Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan had a brilliant start to life at Old Trafford but has struggled in front of the goals in recent weeks. Liverpool are vulnerable in the air and Mourinho will look to take the advantage of that. The Swedish superstar will be looking to make his mark on his first North-West Derby.
Odds
Liverpool win @23/20
Draw @5/2
Manchester United win @13/5
