Abhranil Roy
It is the mother of all football rivalries, it is Liverpool versus Manchester United at Anfield. The passion of the fans and the history of these two clubs always make this a special affair, and over the years, we have been gifted with some spectacular games. The occasion also often gets to the players, who try and do that extra bit to secure the win for their team, and, in the process, acquire legendary status among the fans. Louis van Gaal is yet to lose a game to the Red half of Merseyside, but under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool look a far better side than they did under Brendan Rodgers. Both the teams have flattered to deceive this season, but a win in this game could set a lot of things right. Here are 3 key battles that could decide the game today:
1. ROBERTO FIRMINO V CHRIS SMALLING
The Brazilian has had an inconsistent season so far, but he tends to light up in the big games. In the midweek game against Arsenal, he scored an outstanding brace that once again confirmed the talent this lad has. Klopp’s style of ‘gegenpressing’ suits him a lot as well, which is probably why he will start over Christian Benteke. On the other hand, Chris Smalling, who has been a rock at the back so far this season for United, has been found wanting of late, especially in that 3-3 draw against NewCastle United last matchday. It will be interesting to see how the Englishman, who is probably a bit low in confidence contains the former Monchengladbach striker, who loves to drop shot and draw his markers away every now and then.
2. ANTHONY MARTIAL V NATHANIEL CLYNE
The Frenchman has been brilliant this season, and he will remember his debut against Liverpool at Old Trafford back in September, in which he scored a delightful goal a few minutes after coming on. We hope he can replicate something like that once again while Nathaniel Clyne will be hoping he can mark the former Monaco starlet well enough. The former Southampton right back has been having a stop-start season, but with Pool’s defence conceding easy goals of late, he needs to be on top of his game.
3. WAYNE ROONEY V EMRE CAN
Wayne Rooney has scored 4 goals in 3 games this new year, and nothing will give him greater pleasure than put some more past his eternal rivals. Not only the scoring, Rooney also offers United a lot more in the form of passing, recycling and regaining the ball. On the other hand, Emre Can has been one of the few bright spots in Liverpool’s team so far, with the versatile player putting in the most tackles and interceptions in his team. Both of them are also passionate players, so if push comes to shove, as it generally does in these games, it will be interesting to see who wins.
