Manchester United vs Liverpool – Three Key Battles
As Manchester United prepare to face Liverpool at Old Trafford for the first time under the leadership of Louis Van Gaal, there is more riding on this game than just three points.
Pride between both clubs’ sets of fans for starters will be on the line. Liverpool did the dreaded double over the Reds last season during the dreaded David Moyes era. An early Daniel Sturridge goal at Anfield in September gave Liverpool their first win of the season, while at Old Trafford the Kop blew United away with a huge 3-0 win thanks to two Steven Gerrard penalties and a Luis Suarez goal.
David Moyes’ plan to go into the games not to lose backfired as they were well beaten both times, although Moyes’ men did beat Liverpool in the League Cup 3rd round thanks to a Javier Hernandez goal. This time around however, Louis Van Gaal is in the hot seat. The Dutchman is a winner and has brought proven winners into the club in the likes of Falcao and Angel Di Maria, while Liverpool have lost their main man Luis Suarez.
Van Gaal was interviewed for the official match programme ahead of the game and was quoted with some fiery words.
"“”In the Netherlands we have a saying ‘Death or the Gladioli’, which means all or nothing, we will go into that match fully prepared.”"
Manchester United will be in for a battle against the Scousers on the pitch and here are the key battles they need to win in order to ensure victory for the sixth consecutive game.
Antonio Valencia vs Raheem Sterling
Credit: baydhabo.com
Manchester United don’t have a lot to be fearful of in this Liverpool side but Raheem Sterling is one of those that needs to be feared. His electric pace and fantastic ability when against the defender will cause Valencia problems all night. The Ecuadorian of course isn’t a natural defender. He’s more prone to getting forward and helping on the offensive side than preventing the opposition from scoring but he’ll have to be more reserved tomorrow lunchtime. He has the pace to match Sterling and the strength to keep him at bay but Sterling’s intelligence to come in-field and roam from his position could leave Valencia in limbo and he will have to stay completely focused throughout the 90 minutes.
Ander Herrera vs Jordan Henderson
While Herrera hasn’t been an automatic starter for United this season, plenty feel he should be. Fans, pundits and ex-players have commented on how much he adds to the midfield at Old Trafford. His energy and passing plus the bite he adds is something so often missed in the last three years. Plenty have commented on how Herrera seems to “get” the club and there is no better occasion for him to show that than Sunday’s game. Jordan Henderson has struggled this season to recapture the form that got him into the England starting line-up at the World Cup. His energy however, hasn’t wavered. His constant running will be much-needed for Liverpool tomorrow in a side that has seemed very lethargic all season. His new responsibility as vice-captain seems to have given him free license at Anfield and he’ll need to carry that authority with him to Old Trafford and hope that Liverpool carry out his orders.
James Wilson vs Kolo Toure
Nobody would have expected this battle to be taking place back in August after both clubs had completed their transfer business. James Wilson, on paper, is fourth choice striker at Manchester United behind club captain Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao. Kolo Toure, on paper, is fourth choice center-back at Liverpool behind Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho and £20 million summer signing Dejan Lovren. Both men however come into this game with hopes placed on them. Reports that Wilson is set to start have been about all day today and hopes have been pinned on him with his pace the replacement for the missing Angel Di Maria. His movement and pace with and without the ball could be key for Louis Van Gaal’s side tomorrow as he looks to drag a below par defence around to create space for himself and his peers. Kolo Toure has just been named as Liverpool’s player of the month and many fans are calling for him to start over Lovren, who has really struggled since his move from St. Mary’s. Wilson’s young legs definitely have the edge in this battle but Toure’s experience could help him claw some of that advantage back in his favour.