Liverpool face a daunting task of taking on an in-form Manchester United side just after the international break. The Anfield based club has shown glimpses of brilliance but has struggled to maintain consistency in their performances. Sadio Mane will miss the match due to a hamstring injury and Jurgen Klopp has a huge hole to fill in the team. Liverpool looked toothless in attack after Mane was sent off against City and Klopp would like to fix that issue in this match. Liverpool has a formidable attack but their defence has been shaky throughout the campaign. They would like to tighten things up a bit against a rampaging Manchester United side and stop United’s winning run in the season.
Here we look at three players who have to step up for Liverpool in this match:
Joel Matip
Matip has been the sole shining light in Liverpool’s defence. Joel Matip has been a trustworthy defender for Jurgen Klopp and is perfectly suitable for the high pressing system that Klopp employs.
Matip is a good interceptor of the ball which highlights the fact that he reads the game well. He has made 2.7 interceptions and 3.6 clearances in each game of the league this season and is crucial to Liverpool’s chances this year. They have already conceded 14 goals in the seven games in the league and Joel Matip would have to be at his best if they are to stop United.
Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian winger will be high on confidence after leading his national team to the World Cup in Russia. Salah has made a steady start to life at Liverpool and has become an integral member of the attack for the Reds. His quick runs on the right wing and ability to dribble past defenders with ease is a real strength for his team. However, his wastefulness in front of goal has been a worry.
Particularly in the Champions League group fixture against Spartak Moscow, Salah had many chances to score the second goal but lacked that finishing touch in front of the goal. Manchester United has a very stubborn defence and Salah must do well to make most of the chances that he gets.
Philippe Coutinho
Coutinho will play in an advanced position in the absence of Sadio Mane and will remain the key component in all of Liverpool’s attacks. After a summer full of speculation regarding his impending transfer to Barcelona the talismanic attacking midfielder is back to doing what he does best.
However, Coutinho will have to improve his shooting accuracy to pose any kind of attacking threat. So far this season, he has had a miserable shooting accuracy of 18% which highlights the fact why Liverpool are unable to convert their numerous chances into goals.
Stats Courtesy: Squawka.com
