5 reasons Liverpool may beat Mourinho's United

The English Premier League match-day eight is upon us and the match to look forward to is the Anfield clash between Liverpool and Manchester United on Monday. Two juggernauts of the English game and one that always feels like a derby, even though Manchester is greatly separated from Liverpool.

It can also be added that the two teams are currently led by two of the most sought after managers in the world – Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho but at the moment, Liverpool seem to be in better shape than United, which leads us to these following possibilities.

Tempo and intensity

The Liverpool players seem to have found their rhythm in the Klopp template. They know what they have to do to the opponent and when to do it as a unit. Like they would say, they are hunting in packs while United are still getting to know their best formation and the best players that fit that formation. United players were like rabbits caught in the glare of the  light in the first half against Manchester City last month – it could get worse on Monday!

Players in better form 

Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are three players that are currently in their moment – whatever they touch, turns to goals whereas the players that should be the kingpins of the United side are currently struggling. Without injuries, Mourinho does not a perfect roster of players to call from while the Liverpool side was able to address their various weaknesses in the transfer window. Player for player, Liverpool are way out in front at the moment.

The Rooney conundrum

Wayne Rooney is waning is now a popular refrain. But even though the United captain seems to have lost some legs, his intelligence has in no way been diminished though he is apparently suffering from a lack of confidence and at a crossroads on his best position. The challenge for Mourinho is that he cannot continue to leave out his captain or he would worsen his situation – he needs to solve this quickly but at the moment his team is being grossly affected by this conundrum. 

The Pogba debacle

Paul Pogba has come out to say he would love to be given an offensive license. But the question is does he want to play the No.10 role? For Juventus, he played as a No.8, with two defensive shields to cover his offensive runs. But in Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1, he has to have a defensive mindset. If he is to be played further forward, then United would have to drop Juan Mata or Anders Lingard. Mourinho must unravel this puzzle quickly to have any chance on Monday.

The ref is under pressure

Most Liverpool fans have been up in arms against the nomination of Anthony Taylor as the referee for Monday’s match. This is because the match official lives six miles from Old Trafford and his wife apparently supports Manchester United. Now that is pressure, which could become an advantage for Liverpool. The referee would be under serious spotlight and wouldn’t want to fail, which could see most 50/50 challenges favouring Liverpool on Monday. And they do not need more than that for home advantage!