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Manchester United face a tough test against fierce rivals and Premier League challengers Liverpool. The Red halves of Manchester and Merseyside will clash in a competitive match for the first time this season at Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool are the current league leaders after Manchester City’s first loss of the season at Chelsea last weekend, and they’re the only unbeaten team remaining in the Premier League.
The Scousers have an opportunity to continue their winning streak, cement their hold on first place, and set the tone for the rest of their tight winter schedule, which includes a match against Arsenal and a visit to the Etihad to take on the current champions, City. Manchester United can help derail Liverpool’s title challenge with an upset win, and get their on top 4 challenge back on track.
Let us see your predictions in the polls and in the comments!
Paul Pogba
United’s record signing rode the bench last weekend in an easy 4-1 over struggling Fulham, but started at Valencia in the final UEFA Champions League group stage match. Though as a whole the team looked shapeless and played without direction, Pogba was involved in some of United’s most meaningful possessions and chances. He missed a point blank shot at goal, but did set up Juan Mata for a potential equalizer with a clever chip into the box.
In what has been a difficult season, Pogba has remained one of United’s most impactful players, but it’s questionable whether Mourinho is still willing to start him regularly. Should Mourinho start Pogba in midfield for the clash at Anfield, or leave him on the bench for the third league match in a row?
Poll
Should Paul Pogba start against Liverpool?
Defense
United’s defensive woes continued against Valencia on Wednesday, including a nightmare own goal from a Phil Jones and Sergio Romero miscommunication. Though Eric Bailly has finally seen some playing time again, the defense is still letting in goals. With limited options at centre back and full back, what should Mourinho do to stop the bleeding?
What changes should be made? Tactical? Personnel? Both? Let us know what you think.
Poll
How should United line up defensively against Liverpool?
This poll is closed
-
23%
(Back 4) Valencia, Bailly, Jones, Young
(19 votes) -
46%
(Back 4) Dalot, Bailly, Jones, Young
(37 votes) -
6%
(Back 3) Bailly, Jones, Rojo
(5 votes) -
7%
Back 3) Matić, Bailly, Jones
(6 votes) -
16%
Other (Comment)
(13 votes)
Poll
What should be the team’s defensive philosophy against Liverpool?
This poll is closed
-
50%
Absorb pressure/Counter attack
(36 votes) -
22%
High pressure
(16 votes) -
22%
Press for the lead and then absorb pressure
(16 votes) -
4%
Other
(3 votes)
Attack
United have struggled to keep up with their opponents in recent weeks, but their 4-1 win over Fulham has sparked a bit of confidence, and was the first time the club has scored 4 goals in a Premier League match since the 4-2 win at Watford in November, 2017. Romelu Lukaku is finally finding the net again, Marcus Rashford has been electric with 2 goals and 4 assists in his last 4 matches, and top scorer Anthony Martial should be ready for a return after suffering a minor knock against Arsenal.
How should the Reds line up offensively at Anfield?
Poll
Who should feature in attack at Anfield?
This poll is closed
-
35%
(Front 3) Martial, Lukaku, Rashford
(27 votes) -
46%
(Front 3) Martial, Rashford, Lingard
(36 votes) -
12%
(Front 2) Martial & Rashford
(10 votes) -
2%
(Front 2) Rashford & Lukaku
(2 votes) -
2%
Other (Comment)
(2 votes)
Result
Finally, give us your prediction for Manchester United vs. Liverpool.
Poll
Predict the result for Liverpool vs. Manchester United
This poll is closed
-
1%
Big United win
(2 votes) -
14%
Close United win
(16 votes) -
13%
Draw
(15 votes) -
25%
Close Liverpool win
(28 votes) -
45%
Big Liverpool win
(50 votes)