By Mark Weasley
Manchester United travel to Anfield on Saturday in what will be our biggest match of the season so far. United have been in imperious form all season and will be looking to continue our unbeaten start to the season, as we have gone back to our ruthless level under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Romelu Lukaku has been passed fit for the clash against Jurgen Klopp’s team who have not kept a league clean sheet in 7 matches and are not in the best of form, but against Liverpool, the match is a big deal as Liverpool boast a formidable attack and can torment any defence in the league. We take a look at the probable lineup from the Old Trafford outfit in the clash on Saturday.
Goalkeeper
David de Gea has been in fine form all season, continuously registering save after save in matches. He has kept 6 clean sheets in seven matches and barring any injury, should be in goal to try to stop Liverpool’s attacking threat.
Defence
The defence ably marshalled by Eric Bailly and Phil Jones in the centre of defence have taken to Mourinho’s instructions to heart. The pair have been in imperious form with Jones particularly excellent. Bailly has been an ever assured presence in defence ever since arriving at Old Trafford last season from Villarreal while at right back, there is only one choice in that department. Antonio Valencia is a trusted lieutenant for Jose Mourinho and will fancy his chances of stopping the likes of Roberto Firmino and Mohammed Salah. At left back, Ashley Young has looked a man reborn as he has impressed in that department.
Midfield
The arrival of the Serbian midfielder, Nemanja Matic has added stability to the midfield and has had Jose revert to his 4-2-3-1 formation. The absence of Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba means that last season’s Player of the Season, Ander Herrera should get to start against the Reds. The pair will be a formidable partnership and try to counter Liverpool’s threat.
In attacking midfield, the trio of Martial, Mkhitaryan and Mata should get to start and their movement, positioning and creativity sure to test Liverpool’s fragile defence. Martial in particular has been sensational, finally regaining the form that made United shell out £36m on his signature from Monaco back in 2013.
Attack
Romelu Lukaku is in red hot form as he has registered 11 goals in his first 10 matches of his United career. He has netted 7 league goals and scored on international duty with Belgium despite being feared injured with an ankle injury in the 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace last time out.
Predicted Lineup: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Bailly, Young, Herrera, Matic, Martial, Mkhitaryan, Mata, Lukaku.
