Liverpool host Manchester United this weekend, looking to move into the top four…
We take on Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, in what could be our biggest game of the season so far. We enter it knowing that a win will move us above United into the fourth and final Champions League spot!
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Louis van Gaal’s side beat us 3-0 at Old Trafford back in December, but the Reds are unbeaten in the Premier League since then, a run of 13 matches.
In contrast, the Red Devils have stumbled against the likes of Swansea City and Southampton, and are now back to within two points of us.
In what is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated matches so far this year, here are the five crucial battles that will decide the game:
5) Raheem Sterling vs Chris Smalling
We revealed earlier today – in our predicted line-up – that we expect Sterling, rather than Daniel Sturridge, to start up front against Manchester United. With that in mind, he could play a crucial role in our potential success. We all know that the youngster has pace to burn, and he’ll likely be up against a defender that has been all over the place at times this season. If he has any sense, Chris Smalling would be shaking in his boots right now!
4) Joe Allen vs Juan Mata
The little Welshman has been in inspired form over the last month, and was excellent again last time out – playing a major role in our 1-0 victory over his former club, Swansea City. He could well find himself up against a resurgent Juan Mata, who despite playing a bit-part role in the United team since the turn of the year, impressed in their win over Tottenham last weekend. If we can stop the Spaniard, we’ll stop the supply to their forwards.
3) Steven Gerrard vs Michael Carrick
The battle of the old timers! For Steven Gerrard – whose place in the starting XI is, or course, by no means guaranteed – this will, in all likelihood, be his final ever game against the old enemy, and he’ll be desperate to go out firing. He’ll be up against another experienced Englishman in Carrick, who has been one of the few consistent performers for Louis van Gaal so far this season. While Carrick’s eyes might be drawn to another Liverpool midfielder, like Philippe Coutinho, he’ll know only too well what our veteran captain is capable of, even now.
2) Lazar Markovic vs Ashley Young
If you again refer back to our predicted line-up, you’ll see that we’ve gone with the Serbian at right wing-back, allowing Sterling to push forward into the central striking role. Markovic hasn’t had much football recently, and will need to be at his best to stop an improving Ashley Young who, despite his now lesser reputation, has proved that he’s still more than capable of causing problems. Jordan Henderson might also need to come and help out.
1) Martin Skrtel vs Wayne Rooney
With Robin van Persie out, and Radamel Falcao still struggling for any sort of form, all United’s attacking threat is likely to come through their captain. The man responsible for stopping him will be, as ever, Martin Skrtel. The Slovakian has been an absolute rock so far this season, particularly throughout our recent purple patch, but will be well aware of the threat Rooney causes. Skrtel can’t afford to take any prisoners, and we’re sure he won’t hold anything back!