Manchester United vs Liverpool has long been billed as the biggest game in English football, with the two football powerhouses having been engaged in a bitter rivalry since what feels like the beginning of time.
Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford will have added spice, as it is probably the most important match between the two sides since the 2008-09 season when they were both battling for the Premier League title.
This time around, a win for Manchester United would see the Red Devils close the gap to second-place Liverpool to just two points, and possibly reignite a scarcely believable title charge.
Meanwhile, a win for Jurgen Klopp’s men would be a huge boost as the Reds chase Chelsea for top spot, and would potentially end all talk of title hopes at United this season.
With that in mind, here are the key battles that will go a long way towards determining the outcome of this much-hyped encounter.
KLOPP vs MOURINHO
Jurgen Klopp is one of the few top managers in the world to have a formidable record against Jose Mourinho, with teams coached by the German having won three and drawn two matches against the Special One. Even Klopp’s solitary loss, a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid when he was Borussia Dortmund coach, was largely insignificant as Dortmund had beaten Madrid 4-1 in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final in 2013.
Mourinho will want to set the record straight, and further enhance his reputation as a big-game manager. The Portuguese engineered a 0-0 draw at Anfield back in October, a game that could almost be construed as a victory, given that United were out of sorts and nobody had yet figured out how to stop Liverpool from scoring.
Mourinho’s overall record in England is stellar, and he finally has United firing again, with his side on a nine-game winning run. Victory against Klopp would be a huge statement for Mourinho and United.
Who has the edge? Mourinho is known for winning big games, especially in the Premier League, but Klopp has had his number.
Mourinho and Klopp.
THE FANS
Mourinho has spent the week calling on United fans to up the ante for the Liverpool game. After United’s midweek League Cup win over Hull City, the manager said: “The fans have to improve… Don’t come to the theatre, come to play with us.”
At his pre-match press conference on Friday, he continued in similar vein: “They have to make us feel that feeling we felt at Anfield – we felt clearly for the Liverpool fans it was more than a match.”
“Anfield was no influence on us, not at all; it gave something more to them,” added Mourinho. “That is what Old Trafford can do to our boys. That little extra. You are tired but you have a little more to give. You are confident, so you are going to be ultra confident.”
Mourinho has been critical of United’s fans at various points this season, and similarly, of Chelsea fans during his time at Stamford Bridge. Klopp, on the other hand, has cultivated a superb relationship with Liverpool fans, who have earned a reputation among the best supporters in the league. Is Mourinho’s almost pleading tone with his fans a subtle acknowledgment that he’s envious of the support Liverpool get at Anfield?
Who has the edge? Based on Mourinho’s own statements, it seems this one would go to Liverpool. Thankfully for him and United, his players won’t have to deal with a vocal Anfield crowd, and they will hope the Old Trafford faithful rise to the challenge of his team.
Anfield.
BATTLE OF THE BACK LINES
Liverpool has struggled to produce a consistent, ruthless defence for some time, and Klopp has not been able to completely rectify the Reds’ woes at the back. Dejan Lovren has improved and Ragnar Klavan has been a solid purchase, but unless Joel Matip is fit to play, their defence will almost certainly struggle. The one bright spark has been James Milner, who has settled in nicely at left-back.
United have no such problems. Mourinho has made a name for himself as a defensive manager since taking over from Louis van Gaal in May. Phil Jones has looked a different player, Chris Smalling continues to develop, and even Marcos Rojo has shown his class under Mourinho.
It will be interesting to see who Klopp names as his starting goalkeeper. Loris Karius has been relegated to cup keeper after a number of poor displays, but Simon Mignolet has been error-prone as well.
Again, United have no such problems. They have David de Gea.
Who has the edge? United. Mourinho has built a formidable defence, while Liverpool have continually struggled.
THE BATTLE FOR MIDDLE EARTH
Manchester United look a different prospect ever since Michael Carrick was restored to the starting XI. The Red Devils haven’t lost a game in the league when Carrick has started, and his presence, along with Ander Herrera, has allowed Paul Pogba to shine. Herrera has been a revelation under Mourinho, developing into one of the league’s top midfielders.
For Liverpool, much depends on the fitness of Jordan Henderson. The Liverpool captain has added a much-improved passing range to his game, and is a good counterpart to Carrick. Like the United midfielder, Henderson makes his team tick. Meanwhile, Georginio Wijnaldum has proven to be an astute signing. He’s neat and tidy on the ball and pops up with crucial goals.
Much will depend on how well Liverpool’s pressing game works. Carrick is known for his calmness on the ball, and Liverpool will look to unsettle him with their energy and persistence. He doesn’t usually face such an all-action opposing midfield, but if there’s one player you would back to rise against Liverpool’s pressing, it’s Carrick.
Who has the edge? United. Carrick is the stand-out player, and with him on the pitch, the home side will always feel they have the edge in midfield.
ARTFUL ATTACK
Paul Pogba has finally come into his own at Old Trafford, after a difficult start to his second spell as a Manchester United player. Until he performs in a big game, however, there will always be questions surrounding the Frenchman. But what bigger stage to announce himself than a home derby against Liverpool?
For Klopp’s men, the question is largely one of fitness. Philippe Coutinho has little left to prove in the Premier League, having consistently performed well against top opposition, but the key question will be whether the Brazilian will start after making his comeback from injury as a substitute during the week.
With Sadio Mane at the African Cup of Nations, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana will man the attack for the away side. Firmino has shone this season, although he has endured some off-field trouble in recent days. If he can shake those, he will be a threat for Jones and Smalling.
On paper, the difference between the two teams in attack is a simple one: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede has silenced those who said he was too old to play in the Premier League, scoring 13 times to sit second in the Golden Boot race. As for Liverpool, they will be hoping Daniel Sturridge can continue his resurgence and that Firmino can find a much-needed return to goalscoring form.
Who has the edge? United, because their attack is more in-form at the moment. If Coutinho is match-fit, United will be in for a tough afternoon, but Pogba and co. are more than capable of matching Liverpool’s firepower. And then you have Zlatan.
