The battle for the prestigious and money spinning English Premier League title continues this Sunday as Jose Mourinho’s struggling Manchester United side travel to Anfield to face rejuvenated Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side who currently top the premier league table.
The Red Devils boast of four seasons without tasting defeat against their Merseyside rivals in this competition. These include goalless draws at Anfield for the past two campaigns.
Liverpool stormed to the top of the table following an emphatic 4-0 victory at Bournemouth, where Mohamed Salah was back to his best with a hat-trick.
Jurgen Klopp’s side lost a 4-3 at the same ground in December 2016, but the German coach hopes his players are now far more robust than that.
“We are really more controlled in these situations now,” commented Klopp. “It was a big step for us; very important.
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“Last year, we were really flying and everything was brilliant, until we were not flying. The difference between flying and not flying was quick last year.
“It was something we wanted to work on. It’s worked out. That’s good. A few new players have come in and other players are more mature.”
However, the Reds have been less convincing in big matches this term, drawing with Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal and only scraping past Everton.
Man United are languishing 16 points off the pace after a troubled start to the season, but there have been some encouraging signs of late.
Jose Mourinho’s men twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Arsenal and then registered a rare emphatic 4-1 win against Fulham.
Ashley Young, Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku netted in an impressive first-half display, with Marcus Rashford ending hopes of a fightback after the Cottagers had pulled one back from the penalty spot.
“It was a shame that we could not keep the clean sheet, but it was a very good performance,” said Mata.
“A performance that the fans I think they have been waiting for and we know that we have to do this more often.”
Mourinho seems to have belatedly accepted the need for more tactical approach and there has been a fresh energy and enthusiasm to United’s play.
This will obviously be a tough test for both sides, as Man United will be hoping to keep their unbeaten Anfeild.
With the new form of Salah, Liverpool look to have the advantage, but the outcome of the game will decided on the side that makes the less errors.
Anthony Nlebem
