Liverpool vs. Manchester United: 5 key matchups

Coutinho will likely fill his spot as a left winger. Coutinho’s willingness to drift inside will often find him in a similar position to Mkhitaryan, making for a great battle the whole match. Shutting down either man will require more than one player, so stopping the service to these two danger men could be the key to victory for either side.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Midfield maestros </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_442906" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-442906" src=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F846163704-manchester-united-v-fc-basel-uefa-champions-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Nemanja Matic" width="590" height="389"><p class="wp-caption-text">MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Nemanja Matic of Manchester United shows appreciation to the fans after the UEFA Champions League Group A match between Manchester United and FC Basel at Old Trafford on September 12, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)</p> </div> <h3>2. Matic vs. Henderson</h3> <p>Just mentioning the name Matic around a Chelsea fan will give them the chills. The Blues made a puzzling decision to sell the defensive midfielder to rivals Manchester United, and Red Devil fans could not be happier. Matic has been stellar this season, locking down the middle of the pitch for United. His play would allow Pogba license to get forward and create more as well, as Matic often sat in front of the backline and cut off passing lanes.</p> <div class="embed "> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Most important player of the season so far <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://twitter.com/StatmanDave?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@StatmanDave <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://t.co/7QnH7XW0N5">pic.twitter.com/7QnH7XW0N5

<p>— ThisBoyBlogs (@This_Boy_Blogs) <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://twitter.com/This_Boy_Blogs/status/910122936299917312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>September 19, 2017</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div> <p>Matic will have a huge effect on this match, but Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson will need to equal his intensity if Klopp’s side wants to have success going forward. By no means a traditional defensive midfielder, Henderson plays more of a playmaker’s role in the Liverpool side. He can win the ball back in midfield as start counter attacks but has much more of an impact on the offensive side of the game.</p> <p>Limiting <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://www.whoscored.com/Players/38128/Show/Nemanja-Matic">Matic’s effect on the game will be a huge task for Henderson to undertake. Klopp will need Henderson in the midfield to take control for Liverpool and dictate the pace at which they play. Mourinho would love nothing more than for Matic to disrupt Henderson the whole match and constantly put him under pressure. The midfield will be a very important area in this match, so winning those battles could be the difference maker for either side.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Quick, fast and pacey </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><h3><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-443037" src=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_560,w_850/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F08%2F830693420-watford-v-liverpool-premier-league.jpg.jpg" alt=""></h3> <h3>3. Martial vs. Salah</h3> <p>Settling mostly for appearances off the bench, French starlet Anthony Martial has quietly had a fiery start to the season. In just 140 minutes of playtime, Martial has managed three goals and two assists. His lightning quick movement and dribbling ability has made him a nightmare for the opposition late in the game. Martial should be salivating at the thought of coming on late against an already weak Liverpool defense.</p> <p>Another player that can abuse any defense is Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian scored a heart warming 90th minute penalty to qualify his nation for the 2018 World Cup, so his emotions will be riding high heading into this match. His four goals in league play have silenced the doubters and he looks stronger every week he plays.</p> <div class="embed embed-video"><iframe loading="lazy" width="500" height="281" src=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/KMk7oSVyQ-I?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>Both Martial and Salah will be influential in this match. Mane’s absence will require Salah to be the force in the front line, running in behind the defense and causing problems. His speed will always be a factor and Liverpool need to use it to exploit the United defense. The same can be said for Martial, who will need to be at the top of his game when his name is called. United will have the upper hand in terms of strength off the bench and Martial is one of the main weapons they will have late on in the match.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> A rock at the back </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><h3><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-443038" src=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_560,w_850/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F05%2F683109740-tottenham-hotspur-v-manchester-united-premier-league.jpg.jpg" alt=""></h3> <h3>4. Bailly vs. Matip</h3> <p>The defensive problems that plagued Manchester United last season are all but gone. United is tied with rivals Manchester City for fewest goals allowed this season, and that is in part due to Eric Bailly’s play. The big Ivorian has really tuned his game well and is a for at the back. Though he still has a mental lapse every now and then, Bailly is really growing into his role in defense for United and could very well be a mainstay in the future.</p> <p>Liverpool’s signing of Joel Matip on a free transfer is continually proving to be a work of genius by the club. The ex-Schalke defender is a perfect mix of experience and youth, able to sniff out danger and protect his keeper. The Liverpool defense has always been under fire, but Matip has been one of the main constants in the backline that has kept his side in the match.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia"> <div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_442901" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/Playingfor90/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet") .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet"); }); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The two defenders will be instrumental in keeping the scoreline from getting out of hand. Both teams are capable of scoring multiple goals on their day, so Bailly and <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://www.whoscored.com/Players/74341/Show/Joel-Matip">Matip will be called upon throughout the contest to shut down the opposition. They may not grab the headlines after the match, but a solid performance from either man will certainly sway the decision in their team’s favor.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> The last line of defense </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443040" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-443040" src=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F844943572-manchester-city-v-liverpool-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><p class="wp-caption-text">MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Simon Mignolet of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)</p> </div> <h3>5. De Gea vs. Mignolet</h3> <p>David <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://www.whoscored.com/Players/79554/Show/David-de-Gea">De Gea</a> has made it through yet another summer of rumors linking him to Real Madrid. Spain’s number one continually proves how important he is to the Manchester United team by making save after save in important situations. His command inside the box makes him one of the toughest keepers to play against and has arguably been United’s most important player since joining the club.</p> <p>On the other end of the spectrum is Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet. Liverpool has been criticised for quite some time for not having a consistent, top class keeper. Klopp even said himself that Liverpool has “two number two keepers”, meaning both are viable to start at any time in any match. This is a bit of a problem for a club that already has issues defensively, but is also a problem that does not seem to be of great concern to the team.</p> <div class="related-category right"> <div class="related-main-title">More from <span class="related-name">Liverpool FC</span></div> <ul> <li> <a class="related-link" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://playingfor90.com/2023/03/14/liverpool-roller-coaster-season/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">Liverpool’s roller coaster of a season continues</a> </li> <li> <a class="related-link" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://playingfor90.com/2023/02/12/bubble-finally-burst-liverpool/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">Has the bubble finally burst at Liverpool?</a> </li> <li> <a class="related-link" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://playingfor90.com/2023/01/27/liverpool-regain-lost-glory/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">How Liverpool can regain their lost glory</a> </li> <li> <a class="related-link" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://playingfor90.com/2022/08/04/three-factors-liverpool-upcoming-season/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">Three factors which might determine the fate of the Reds this season</a> </li> <li> <a class="related-link" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://playingfor90.com/2022/06/14/3-liverpool-players-benefit-nunez/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">3 Liverpool players who can benefit the most from Darwin Nunez’s signing</a> </li> </ul> </div> <p><a href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://playingfor90.com/premier-league/manchester-united/">United has a clear upper hand in this matchup, and arguably in every Premier League match they play. De Gea is one of the world’s best and, at just 26 years old, has many years left to further his legacy. Liverpool may be able to scrape by every now and then with a second-rate shot stopper between the sticks, but sooner or later, the team will need to wake up and realise that Mignolet and Loris Karius simply are not enough to bring success to this club.</p> <p>There are a slew of matchups in this rivalry that could decide the winner. All eleven players on each side will need to be near perfect if they want to come out with all three points. Both managers will have plenty to talk about before the match and will be influential in orchestrating their teams shape and tactics.</p> <div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/liverpool-vs-manchester-united-5-key-matchups/"https://playingfor90.com/2017/10/12/alexis-sanchez-manchester-city-happen-soon-january/">Liverpool, who are desperate for a win and a step in the right direction. For United, they hope to continue to dismantle anyone who crosses their path in league play and keep pace with rivals Manchester City. With so much on the line this early in the season, this match is sure to be on of the best in the Premier League this year.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">