Liverpool vs Manchester United - UAE fan preview

Sport360 staff 15:03 17/10/2016
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  • Who will win between Liverpool and Manchester United?

    Ahead of their clash at Anfield on Monday, Liverpool and Manchester United UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.

    To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.

    Do you agree or have they missed the mark?

    Have your say by commenting below, using #360LIVE on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.

    John Lambert, DUBAI REDS

    The biggest game in English football awaits us as two powerhouses – who have won 38 league titles between them – collide. Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield on the back of a torrid run of fixtures. The Reds have already visited Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs on their travels but have surprised many by collecting two wins and a point from those games.

    Klopp’s Liverpool have been a joy to watch this year, for neutrals certainly but especially for Liverpool fans, and there’s a real buzz around the club again. On current form, Liverpool supporters will be hopeful of securing three points against their rivals from the other end of the M62.

    This side has the potential to blow United away if they play with the aggression, pace and power that they’ve shown against other top sides this year. Goals have from right across Liverpool’s midfield this year, but the one issue is in defence – we’ve yet to keep a clean sheet.

    There are a few injury doubts going into this game, with Adam Lallana having suffered a groin injury last week, and George Wijnaldum picking up a knock on international duty. Neither have been ruled out yet, but the feeling is Lallana is the more likely to pass a late test. Wijnaldum could be replaced in the centre by Emre Can if he misses out. The attacking positions are set to be filled again by Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, and either Lallana or Daniel Sturridge.

    SCORE PREDICTION: Liverpool 3 – 1 Manchester United

    LIKELY LIVERPOOL XI: Karius, Milner, Matip, Lovren, Clyne, Can, Henderson, Coutinho, Mané, Lallana, Firmino

    LIVERPOOL PLAYER TO WATCH​​: Sadio Mane – All of the Liverpool attackers have the form and capability to score the goals for Liverpool, but with his electric pace and power, Mané is certainly the man to watch for Liverpool. He’s been a revelation since joining from Saints.

    UNITED PLAYER TO FEAR: Zlatan Ibrahimovic – He’s gone a few games without scoring, but the quality the Ibrahimovic possesses certainly makes him the danger man. Capable of a goal out of nothing, Liverpool will need to watch him closely to keep him quiet.

    FAVOURITE LIVERPOOL-UNITED MEMORY AT ANFIELD:​ The 3-1 victory back in 2001 by Gerard Houllier’s Liverpool; a cracking result, punctuated by one of John Arne Riise’s trademark rockets straight into the top corner.

    WHERE TO WATCH:​ Goodfellas Sports Bar, in The Ramee Rose Hotel, Barsha Heights (TECOM). Get down early, because it’ll be a packed, and a great atmosphere at the home of Dubai Reds.

    Omar Othman, MANCHESTER UNITED SUPPORTERS CLUB UAE (MUSC UAE)

    Before the season started, we all knew that this one would see even more teams potentially challenging for the title. Liverpool look like one of those but with Manchester United it seems a little less certain.

    Jose Mourinho’s side haven’t got off to a great start by any means and recent results such as the Manchester derby, defeat to Watford, and most recently draw with Stoke means the margin for error has been significantly reduced already. If United are to have a chance to challenge, three points are needed at Anfield.

    Liverpool, currently without any European football to play, have more time and fewer games to worry about, something that stood them in good stead when they nearly won the Premier League title in 2013-14.

    The Reds have played better than the Red Devils this season but United fans don’t care about the result. Liverpool will likely come out all guns blazing and look to shake United early, but our best chance is to hold on and nick a goal.

    Mourinho always knows how to show up for big games and I think he will tactically get it right. But form, tactics, etc. all mean nothing once that whistle goes at 11pm GST.

    Prediction: Liverpool 2 – 2 Manchester United

    Likely MUFC XI: Dea Gea, Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Blind, Herrera, Pogba, Lingaard, Mata, Rashford, Ibrahimovic

    MAN UTD PLAYER TO WATCH: Marcus Rashford – His pace and complete lack of fear penetrating any defence will make him a big threat.  I see him making a big difference and if not scoring, definitely creating loads of chances.

    LIVERPOOL PLAYER TO FEAR: Philippe Coutinho – The Brazilian has been a real nuisance in recent matches and a single lapse in concentration is all it will take for him to have enough space to put away one of his shots from distance.

    FAVOURITE LIVERPOOL-MAN UTD MOMENT:  One that always springs to mind is John O’Shea’s winner back in 2007 in added time.

    WHERE TO WATCH: MUSC UAE members have three locations to choose from.  In Dubai matches are shown at Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza and Petals in Time Oak Hotel, Barsha Heights (Tecom).  As for Abu Dhabi, the matches are shown at Coopers Bar in the Park Rotana.

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