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!
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