Premier League: Manchester United vs Liverpool game is more than just about a second place finish

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Bengaluru, March 9: Saturday's Manchester United vs Liverpool game at Old Trafford could determine who finishes second in the Premier League, but that will not be the only outcome of this crunch fixture. Apart from interesting battles among the players, it will be interesting to see if Jurgen Klopp's attacking Liverpool will hold up against a strong opposition in Jose Mourinho's Manchester United. A draw is more or less ruled out as it could affect both team's top-four aspirations with fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur breathing down on their necks. Apart from deciding the runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League title race, the United-Liverpool game will involve a clash of systems, promising to be cracker.

Here, we present the factors that will influence the outcome of the game:

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United's 4-2-2-2 vs Liverpool's 4-3-3

Though Manchester United are playing a 4-3-3 on paper, it is essentially a 4-2-2-2, Scott Mctominay and Nemanja Matic form the defensive two, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard (or Antony Martial) forming a box (Mourinho calls it a square) with Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku. This midfield setup is pretty narrow and it will allow Liverpool to exploit spaces on the wing. For United, it facilitates swift counter-attacks.

Liverpool's attacking trio of Salah, Mane, Firminho

The front three at Liverpool have scored 45 goals between them in the Premier League with 20 assists. Those are astounding stats for a front three. While the whole world will be concentrating on Mo Salah and his recent Premier League award, it would be foolish for Manchester United to ignore Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. Their dazzling runs confuse defenses and the best example of this was during the game against Newcastle on March 3, which the Reds won 2-0. Brazilian forward Firmino took the ball from Mane and went one way which created space, Mane exploited that space, opened his body and scored a goal. United’s defence will definitely have their hands full.

United's defensive midfielders Mctominay and Matic

We all know how Liverpool play the pressing game - their main intention is to win the ball high up the pitch and prevent an attack from reaching them. It essentially means Nemanja Matic and Scott Mctominay should expect a tough game as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Emre Can, along with the front three, will not give them space to pick a pass. This will definitely be a trial by fire for the young Mctominay.

Safe hands David De Gea

There are players who single-handedly help teams win the game. Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is probably the only goalkeeper currently on that list. He has been the sole reason United haven’t lost many games as they should have. He influenced this fixture at Anfield back in October 2017 by saving a Josep Matip header from point-blank range. With the number of attempts Liverpool have on goal, it will be safe to say that De Gea will have a busy day on Saturday.

Oxlade or Lallana

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has shown Arsenal fans what he is truly capable of. What he has shown Liverpool fans is that he can limit the damage that Philippe Coutinho’s departure should have had. He has also delayed Adam Lallana’s return to the first team. However, with Lallana playing against Porto and his ability to pick locks, it should leave Klopp with a decision to make. It will be interesting to see who gets picked but given the recent form, Ox should be start.

Sanchez and Lukaku

The two of them have started to combine well. Lukaku has got his confidence back after scoring against Chelsea (a big team, thus quelling the “flat track bully” taunts). Though Sanchez is still finding his rhythm in this team, his tireless running should be a problem for Liverpool’s full backs. There will also be an interesting encounter between Lukaku and Virgil van Dijk, making it a big test for the Dutchman.

Van Dijk and Lovren

Though Joel Matip has been getting a few games, it is now safe to say that Liverpool’s preferred central defenders are Dejan Lovren and van Dijk. Lovren has been brilliant at putting behind his nightmares at the start of the season to form a brilliant partnership with van Dijk. The Dutchman, on the other hand, has not only helped restore his partner's confidence but he has taken leadership of the defence. Though he has a long way to go to repay the 75-million-pound fee, it is safe to say that he has bought stability which Klopp craved.

Battle of the full-backs

United will mostly start with Ashley Young and Anton Valencia with Liverpool going for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson. Joe Gomez has been good for Liverpool but he has been usurped by Alexander-Arnold for a reason - crosses. The Liverpool full-backs have the highest number of crosses per game among the top-six this season, which has helped against sides that defend deep. Their battle with United’s full-backs will definitely be about age vs experience. Considering the tactics their managers employ, these four players will have a big impact on the game.

Mourinho vs Klopp

Both of them are tacticians and man managers. Both have their players wanting to run through a brick wall for them. While one is emotional and friendly with his players, the other is reserved. Saturday will be a battle for their reputations as well, a season-defining match. The title is Manchester City’s, but with second place up for grabs, they know it will do their teams a world of good to win this match. Will Mourinho’s defence hold against a barrage of Liverpool’s attacks or will Liverpool’s defence crumble against a top class opposition? With a draw making their top 4 chances a bit tricky, don’t put your money on a bore stalemate.

Where to watch:

Manchester United vs Liverpool

Live from Old Trafford

At Star Sports Select and Hotstar Premium

At 6 pm (Saturday, March 10)