Liverpool and Manchester United will face each other at Anfield on Sunday in the biggest game of matchday 17.
The Red Devils haven’t fared very well in recent weeks, having won just one of their last five league matches while Liverpool will hope to register five back to back wins in all competitions.
Both the sides have some big players for games like these and we take a look at some of the key player battles.
#3 Manchester United defence vs Mohamed Salah
With Victor Lindelof and Marcos Rojo already ruled out and Chris Smalling a doubt, Phil Jones may be tasked with the responsibility of stopping Mohamed Salah on Sunday.
The English international hasn’t been a regular for United this season, making only three league appearances prior to this game.
Therefore, it seems unlikely that Jones will be able to handle the threat of Salah on his own, thus we expect both Luke Shaw and Ashley Young to operate in a more defensive role in order to help out the centre-backs.
Salah has been deployed up front at times this season, but has drifted to the wider role as well, so the United defence will have to be wary.
The Egyptian needed just one chance to breeze past Kalidou Koulibaly, so United can’t afford a lapse in concentration.
#2 Nemanja Matic vs Naby Keita
It hasn’t exactly been a wonderful season for Nemanja Matic so far, whose disappointing performances have led to more mediocrity in the Manchester United midfield.
The Serbian has appeared terribly out of pace in certain games while his ball retention qualities have also been questioned and that could take a serious toll on him against the intense Liverpool setup.
The trio of Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum and Naby Keita will definitely see Matic as the weak link in the midfield with Keita, in particular, expected to use his quick movements to exploit Matic’s lack of mobility, which will allow the Reds to expose the United backline.
Therefore, this could arguably turn into one of the most crucial personal duels in this fixture as both teams look to assert their dominance in midfield.
#1 Romelu Lukaku vs Virgil Van Dijk
Romelu Lukaku’s involvement in this fixture will largely depend on the availability of Anthony Martial, who is apparently doubtful to start against Liverpool.
But, the Belgium international will undoubtedly serve as a key player for the Red Devils in attack, thanks to his robust style of play.
Indeed, the former Everton superstar can easily muscle through defenders and that’s where Virgil van Dijk comes in.
The Dutch international defender has been in imperious form this season and his sheer dominance in tackles, aerial challenges and physicality make him an ideal competitor for the bulky Lukaku.
