Where the Liverpool Vs Manchester United game can be won and lost
By Jake Knox
While the form guide is in Liverpool’s favour for the visit of Manchester United. We all know that the guide goes out of the window as soon as the referee blows his whistle.
Here are the key battles which United need to win to bring the three points back to Old Trafford.
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They say that games of football can be won and lost in midfield and that is very evident with my first two matchups:
1. Paul Pogba vs Jordan Henderson
After what’s fair to say has been a very acrimonious start to his Liverpool career. Jordan Henderson is starting to look like a real authority in his deeper holding midfield role.
The protection he offers his centre backs will be even more important than usual given Paul Pogba’s undeniable attacking ability.
While Pogba has only shown glimpses of the form he displayed at Juventus so far with Manchester United. It is fair to say that he’s been asked to perform a much more defensive role for United in most of his appearances.
It’s in the recent pairing with Herrera that we are starting to see the real Pogba emerge as an attacking threat. The new found freedom is something ‘The Pog’ thrives on as was clear by his game winning goal for France during the week.
What will be interesting is how Jurgen Klopp instructs Henderson to deal with the aerial and physical threat Pogba poses.
One way or another one of these players will hold the key to their team’s performance.
2. Ander Herrera vs Phillipe Coutinho
When Ander Herrera joined United from Athletic Bilbao in 2014 he was seen as a classy attacking midfield player with the ability to run all day.
It’s since working with Jose Mourinho that Herrera has emerged as a real driving force in a much deeper midfield role. His tenacity and willingness to run himself into the ground for the team is something we’ve not seen from a midfielder since the days of Roy Keane.
He’s got a long way to go before he can be compared to United’s legendary captain, but he’s certainly shown the heart that United fans expect of their players.
Phillipe Coutinho has emerged as the main attacking outlet of Liverpool’s midfield this season. Herrera will need all of his defensive attributes to be able to nullify the Brazilian.
Who’s range of passing and creativity puts him amongst the most dangerous players in the league.
3. Chris Smalling vs Daniel Sturridge
Under Louis Van Gaal Smalling has developed into one of the finest centre backs in the league. With a good turn of pace and ability to read the game he is key to stopping Liverpool’s No. 9.
While Sturridge is likely to injure himself more often than not. He is one of the few strikers in the league to be able to create a goal scoring opportunity out of nothing.
With both players possessing good pace and height it’s going to be an intriguing battle when the ball comes near to the Manchester United 18 yard box.
4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs Joel Matip
It will be the first time either of these players have experienced the Liverpool’s Manchester United derby. So it will be very interesting how they both react.
Zlatan is no stranger to fierce local derbies having been involved in some of the biggest in the world. (El Classico and Derby della Madonna ).
However it is often said that this derby is unlike any other.
While Zlatan is currently leading the United scoring charts with a total of six goals in all competitions (11 appearances).
His first touch while under pressure has let him down on numerous occasions. This is something Matip is sure to try and take advantage of.
Matip himself is somewhat of an unknown outside of Anfield. Much like Eric Bailly is outside Old Trafford he is starting to get recognition for his no nonsense style.
One of the interesting points to look out for is how he deals with Zlatan’s tendency to drop into deeper roles.
Next: Wayne Rooney the key to winning at Anfield?
Verdict
Both squads contain a wealth of internationals and proven professionals.
As with a lot of derbies it tends to often come down to how the teams handle the atmosphere or a moment of individual genius. One thing for sure is no matter whom the managers choose on game day. There’ll be a host of players capable of producing that moment of magic.