Premier League
Manchester United vs Liverpool Preview
The Theater of Dreams is home to the biggest matchup of the weekend as Manchester United and Liverpool face off in the North West Derby. Liverpool are hoping to do the double over United for the first time since 2013/14. It will be a tough test as they look to keep the pace at the top considering United has won seven of the last nine at home in this fixture.
Team News
The star duo of Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard were both expected to miss this game with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer telling the media after the initial injury assessment. In a late surprise, Lingard may have recovered soon enough and could feature in the match. It is unexpected that he would be in the starting XI but may be in the 18-man squad.
Virgil Van Dijk will return to the squad after missing the Champions League due to suspension. They were able to keep a clean sheet at home against Bayern Munich without him, but he will undoubtedly start. The Dutch defender has established himself as one of the world’s best over the past few years. He will be needed to stop a high flying United attack.
One to Watch
Ever since OGS took over for Jose Mourinho, the main force at United has been Paul Pogba. The World Cup winning midfielder has become their most important player. Mourinho was reluctant to use him in his preferred attacking role. Solskjaer has not made the same mistake. It has absolutely transformed this team. I believe he is the single biggest threat and will dictate the result of the match. If United lose, it will be because Paul Pogba did not play well.
Prediction
Liverpool has only lost once in the league this season. That number doubles after this weekend. I find it hard to believe that Liverpool will march into Old Trafford and take all three points. At best they can muster a draw in this derby. Paul Pogba will contribute to the goals on Sunday. He will help United not only pull away form Arsenal and Chelsea, but also close the gap on Spurs who lost to Burnley away from home.
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