Liverpool will face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday night, and this is an important match for the Reds. Not only are United rivals and second in the league, but the Reds need to keep getting results to guarantee European football next season. Further, while their top-four hopes seem impossible, the Reds must keep fighting as hard as possible until the end.
United just played on Tuesday night in what can only be described as a seriously unfair situation created by the Premier League, which, as Jurgen Klopp has said even in United’s defense this week, has utterly failed to protect players from burnout and injuries.
Let’s take a look at three individual battles that could decide this tight affair in Manchester.
Liverpool LW Sadio Mane vs. Manchester United RB Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Much has been written about Sadio Mane’s poor form this season, especially in recent months. The Senegalese superstar has himself stated that this is the worst season of his career, which is a sobering and saddening admission.
But Mane is still a world-class player, in-form or not. Liverpool need him to keep trying his hardest on both ends of the pitch, especially when it comes to creating for teammates. Mane only has five assists, but he still does good work in terms of carrying the ball and drawing fouls.
He’ll be going up against one of the best one-on-one defenders in the world in Manchester United right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. For anyone who enjoys watching a good winger vs. fullback matchup, this should be a treat. Wan-Bissaka remains highly effective this season with 2.7 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game, according to WhoScored.com.
Liverpool CB/DM Fabinho vs. Manchester United CAM Bruno Fernandes
Liverpool definitely look like a better side when Fabinho is on the pitch. He could start at center back next to Nathaniel Phillips with Ozan Kabak out injured, but it is more likely for him to anchor the midfield.
No matter where he plays, Fabinho’s intelligent reading of the game and one-on-one robustness will be decisive against Manchester United star man Bruno Fernandes, who has been one of the top three players in the Premier League since joining the Red Devils from Sporting Lisbon.
Fernandes is always a threat to score or cause danger, and Fabinho must be equal to his movement. And while he is an attacking midfielder, Fernandes is tough as they come and will not shy away from physical contact against the imposing Fabinho.
Although Fabinho remains pretty underrated among mainstream fans, any close follower of European football will tell you that the defensive midfielder is one of the best players in the Premier League. Here is a prime time opportunity for the Brazilian to show his overall ability under the bright lights of Old Trafford.
So far this season, Fabinho is second on the team with 2.1 tackles per game and first among available players with 1.6 interceptions per game (Jordan Henderson is tied with him).
Liverpool RB Trent Alexander-Arnold vs. Manchester United LB Luke Shaw
Another interesting battle out wide will occur on the opposite flank between Liverpool superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold and the resurgent Luke Shaw. Although Shaw was regarded as a disappointment for quite some time, he has really blossomed since Jose Mourinho’s ousting and has been particularly solid this season for the Red Devils.
Shaw has only been dribbled past 0.4 times per game in the 2020-2021 Premier League season. He is also second on his team with 2.3 key passes per game, which is extraordinary for a fullback. Alexander-Arnold is no slouch either with 2.0 per game, so it’s quite remarkable that Shaw actually has him beat.
These are two great wide creators at their respective positions, so watching them go head-to-head will be thrilling. Shaw has the edge on “TAA” in terms of his defending, and Liverpool fans should monitor how Jurgen Klopp uses his X-Factor.
Alexander-Arnold can really open up the game with early crosses, and he may have to sit a little deeper to respect the United attack, including Shaw’s runs from left back. Both tactically and in terms of their individual talents, Shaw vs. Alexander-Arnold could be a matchup that decides the outcome of this Premier League clash.