The international break has come and gone. The World Cup is set. The Premier League is back. Manchester United travel to Liverpool this Saturday for what is bound to be another thrilling installment between England’s two most decorated clubs.
Manchester United are currently joint-top of the league with neighbors Manchester City, at 19 points. While Liverpool have suffered a sluggish start to the league, as they sit in seventh place, seven points behind the leaders.
Saturday’s match will be a huge focal point for both teams. Manchester United have yet to truly be tested by the elite of England’s top flight, and Liverpool will be looking for a big result to right the ship.
Anfield is one of the most intimidating venues in English football — but Mourinho says he’s looking forward to the atmosphere.
"“(The atmosphere) motivates us, it is something that we want, it is something that if we could have every match we would have every match.”"
Gary Neville came out this week and made mention of how intimidating Liverpool’s home ground can be, and offered his take on how Mourinho’s men should handle the match.
In last year’s visit to Anfield, in typical Mourinho fashion, Manchester United sat deep — I mean really deep. They played defensive and looked to hit Liverpool on the break.
However, the game ended in a 0-0 draw. Sharing the points at Liverpool isn’t a bad result, but the fans want to see more. And both team need three points.
In Friday’s news conference, a reporter questioned Mourinho if he would play a defensive game yet again on Saturday.
“I play with one defender and nine strikers, don’t worry about it, we play with one guy behind and then we go with a new system and we play with nine strikers, don’t worry about it,” retorted Mourinho.
Despite the sarcastic response, there is evidence that United may come out and play a more open game.
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This season United are mounting a run at the title. The noisy neighbors are on fire, and the Red Devils need three points to keep the pace.
It won’t be easy, especially with Jurgen Klopp’s full throttle high press. The home side will look to win the ball back early and often and jump start counters with Mo Sallah.
Fortunately for United, Sadio Mane is ruled out after picking up an injury with Senegal over the international break.
“Thank God we can still play football without Sadio,” said Klopp. “Lots of teams got injuries from this international break. It’s not only Sadio, it’s Fellaini and a lot of other players. It’s Sadio but nobody else, which is the good news. We can play without him.”
While United were already expected to be without Paul Pogba for the match, Marouane Fellaini was injured with Belgium and looks to miss the game also, but this could be the perfect opportunity for Ander Herrera. Thankfully, Mourinho believes that Lukaku will be fit for the match.
“I know that. Lukaku looks fine and that’s it,” said Mourinho.
With a depleted midfield, how Mourinho will line the side up is anyone’s guess, but here’s our predicted XI for the big game.
Next: Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba expected to return in two weeks
It’s the biggest game in English football. Both clubs have enjoyed huge successes over the years. Both are looking to reach the levels they once enjoyed. Saturday’s match is huge for both teams. These are a crucial three points — and let’s hope it’s a fantastic fight to secure them.