Manchester United and Liverpool face off on Sunday in the Premier League, in the first encounter between the two arch-rivals this season.
Liverpool are flying high at the top of the table, while Manchester United are floundering in 14th position, 15 points behind the table-toppers.
The Red Devils continue to have injuries hurt them, with the likes of Paul Pogba and David de Gea ruled out of the contest, which means that Liverpool are overwhelming favourites to secure all three points at Old Trafford.
Ahead of the match, let’s take a look at three key battles in the game between Manchester United and Liverpool:
Manchester United vs Liverpool: 3 Key Battles
#1 Sadio Mane vs Aaron Wan-Bissaka/Diogo Dalot
Sadio Mane has been in spectacular form this season, continuing where he left off from last season. The Liverpool wide man has already registered 5 goals and an assist in 8 appearances in the league season, and will be a key player on Sunday.
Liverpool’s star man Mohamed Salah, could sit out the game against Manchester United due to a slight knock, and if that happens, Mane will have to be the attacking force for Liverpool.
Mane will be up against Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Diogo Dalot on Sunday, the former having missed a few matches through illness and only just returning to the Manchester United side.
Mane’s pace and movement could trouble Wan-Bissaka – if he does start for United – and will be a real test for the young English full-back. It could be even more difficult for United if Wan-Bissaka doesn’t make the starting lineup as Diogo Dalot hasn’t look assured in defence.
#2 Roberto Firmino vs Harry Maguire
Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino has been Liverpool’s best attacker this season, contributing with goals and assists, as well as other areas in Liverpool’s attack.
Firmino’s movement, especially in situations when he drops in between the opposition’s attack and midfield, has caused a lot of trouble to opposition teams.
His link-up play has been excellent, which could trouble United on Sunday. The Brazilian will be up against Harry Maguire, United’s centre back, who will want to prove his worth in this big game.
#3 Scott McTominay vs Georginio Wijnaldum
Scott McTominay has had a mixed season so far. The young Scottish international has been tenacious in midfield and scored an important goal against Arsenal, but he has gone missing in some games as well.
McTominay will have a lot of defending to do against Liverpool, and will want to get stuck in and ruffle a few feathers in the Liverpool team with his tackling and pressing.
He will have to stop Georginio Wijnaldum from bombing forward and stop balls from being played to Liverpool’s attacking trio.