Liverpool v Manchester United Preview: Reds prepare for the all-important clash against United

Both teams vie for the top-four, with the result deciding who drops out

KARACHI: The city of Liverpool braces itself in welcoming the only club which has won more titles than them in the Premier League, Manchester United, in their 84^th match at Anfield, with the hosts winning 41, losing 23 and drawing 19 at their Merseyside stronghold.

Liverpool are currently positioned fifth in the League, just one point off United and victory over the Red Devils would see them pip their rivals for fourth, while victory for the visitors would see them five points clear of the 18-times English champions.

As the Reds prepare for their all-important clash against United on Sunday, we look at certain aspects ahead of the seemingly top-four deciding contest between the fiercest rivals in the Premier League.

Liverpool’s scintillating form and United’s recent rediscovery

Not in his wildest dreams would have Louis van Gaal imagined that the 3-0 mauling of Liverpool in December would see United’s fiercest rivals embark upon a relentless run in the Premier League — taking 33 from the available 39 points and remaining unbeaten since the embarrasing loss to the Red Devils.

The Reds have been able to curb any opposition that has come along their way, including the important clash against defending champions Manchester City, winning 10 games and drawing three, to ensure that they get back into the top-four race — something that even the most apt pundit had not predicted at the start of the season.

On the other hand, van Gaal’s men had been running on a rocky road and had to count on luck many a times to bag the three points required to keep them in the top-four race. The Reds Devils have lost two games since the start of the new year to Southampton and Swansea and had just found the form of the season against a lethargic Tottenham, winning 3-0, but more importantly showing signs of the side that the supporters had been accustomed to since the times of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The question that would haunt every United supporter is whether van Gaal can carry on that display against Spurs for the remainder of the season or whether that was just a performance caused by the lack of any threat from the opposing team.

Who controls the midfield?

Much has been talked about Brendan Rodger’s miraculous 3-4-2-1 formation and there would be no point in dwelling over how that tweak in the system revitalised the Red’s campaign. The more important aspect here is what that does to the opposition’s defenses and how it increases the attacking intensity with the central midfielders acting as the main engine in the machinery.

Liverpool have been highly comfortable with Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen in the midfield — players who have the work-rate of a horse and a never-say-die attitude which becomes extremely crucial in keeping possession as the Reds aim to press the opposition in their half. This constant pressing in the centre of the field allows the more attacking players — Phillipe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge — the freedom to work their magic up front, creating chances and running in on the defenses, much to the discomfort of the defenders, who are not used to this constant pressure just outside their penalty box.

United have recently not faced a side which presses this hard and would need to control the midfield if they are to curtail Liverpool’s romp with the blossoming partnership of Ander Herrera and Juan Mata in midfield working wonders and Wayne Rooney offering the will to run into the opposition’s defenses in something that he does best.

It will be interesting to see if Angel di Maria starts the game as Britain’s most expensive signing has not been able to achieve the heights that many have associated with the former Real Madrid man and United have been performing quite well with the Argentine sitting on the sidelines.

Players to watch out for

Coutinho had been highly inconsistent at the start of the season and had led to opinions that Italian club Inter Milan was right in letting go the 22-year-old, however the Brazilian playmaker has adjusted perfectly in Rodger’s new system and has been the creative backbone for Liverpool for the past few months.

The Brazilian has slotted four goals and made four assists this season, including the sensational strikes against Manchester City and Southampton, which silenced the opponents and made them question their own defensive frailties.

United would need to come up with a game plan for the youngster because if given the space to run free, the midfielder can be highly punishing.

Meanwhile, United’s Rooney has been in spectacular form amidst all the turmoil surrounding the Red Devils and has been the only consistent player that van Gaal can rely on. His relentless running-in on oppositions’ defenses and amazing eye for goal has earned him 11 goals and four assists this season and Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel needs to be on his best if the Reds are to curtail the England captain’s romp. However, his poor form and lack of goals against Liverpool will be an encouraging factor for the home side.

Regardless of the outcome, one can be highly certain that the clash between the Premier League titans would lead to a spectacular game of football as both clubs vie for a top-four finish along with the riches that the Champions League offers.

 

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