In what will easily be one of the most important matches in the 2018/19 Premier League campaign, Manchester United will take on arch-rivals Liverpool at the Old Trafford on Sunday.
The hosts will look to continue their excellent form under interim coach Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer but the Norwegian will be handed his biggest test yet, in the league, against a Liverpool side, who will be keen to regain top spot in the league table.
Here are three key battles that could potentially decide the outcome of this mouthwatering fixture this weekend.
Ashley Young vs Andrew Robertson
Manchester United star Ashley Young has served the club quite well in the right-back position, which has forced Antonio Valencia out of the starting lineup for the most part of this campaign.
However, the veteran defender will face a stern test against Liverpool’s Sadio Mane and Andrew Robertson on the left flank.
The duo has combined quite well in the past, especially Robertson, with his marauding runs in behind the defence while Mane could cause problems with his direct movements and willingness to take on defenders in the final third.
Thus, we expect Young to remain busy throughout the course of the game and his performance will play a key role in shaping United’s fate in this game.
Paul Pogba vs Fabinho
Paul Pogba has enjoyed a rich vein of form under Solskjaer, with the Frenchman being involved in as many as 13 goals since the appointment of the Norwegian back in December.
And the rejuvenated French international will play a huge role in this game, especially in United’s transition play, where his energy and smart movements could be critical as the hosts look to evade Liverpool’s high-press.
However, standing in his way will be Fabinho, who has emerged as a reliable option for Liverpool following a stuttering start to his career at Anfield.
Fabinho is a technically astute midfielder, who can also offer the much-needed solidity in midfield with his excellent tackling and physicality. Thus, we expect the Brazilian to keep a close eye on Pogba this weekend.
Marcus Rashford vs Virgil van Dijk
With Romelu Lukaku struggling to find the back of the net on a regular basis, Marcus Rashford has emerged as United’s main attacking spearhead under Solskjaer.
And the Red Devils will once again rely on the services of the English international in terms of offensive productivity.
Rashford’s raw pace coupled with his clever movements in behind the defence will certainly create problems for the Liverpool defence, who have kept just three clean sheets in their last eight matches in all competitions.
And quite naturally, the onus will be on Liverpool’s defensive stalwart Virgil van Dijk to prevent the United superstar from making any inroads inside the penalty box this weekend – making it one of the most intriguing personal duels in this fascinating encounter.
