The Big Match Tactical View: Manchester United v Liverpool

"Coutinho and Adam Lallana combining between the lines could cause Manchester United real problems in this 4-3-3 system"

Manchester United v Liverpool
Sunday, 16:00
Live on Sky Sports 1

Match Odds: Manchester United 2.20, Liverpool 3.90, The Draw 3.40.

The reverse fixture between these sides was hyped as 'Red Monday' - and then turned out to be arguably the most underwhelming Premier League match of the season so far. Jose Mourinho spoiled the party with a defensive-minded side, and the 0-0 was a fair reflection of the contest. This one, though, should be livelier.

After all, both these sides are in good form and boast the two longest unbeaten runs in the division. Manchester United have been superb in recent weeks in an organised but dynamic system, while Liverpool continue to impress with their high-tempo, heavy pressing football that causes opponents such problems.

Mourinho changed his side to become much more defensive at Anfield, but here is likely to name his first-choice XI. Upfront, there's a slight concern over the fitness of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but he should be fit to start. If not, Marcus Rashford will probably get the nod, which might actually work better against Liverpool's aggressive defensive line.

Out wide, Anthony Martial is likely to be fielded from the left with instructions to push back Nathaniel Clyne, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan has seemingly gone from an outsider to a key player within the space of a few weeks, and should drift inside from the right.

In the centre, Paul Pogba will look to break forward from the most advanced position in United's three-man central midfield zone, while Ander Herrera will probably play more cautiously than usual, against a creative Liverpool midfield with various players looking to pop up between the lines. Michael Carrick won't be able to defend that zone solo.

With Eric Bailly away, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are likely to be the centre-back partnership.

Liverpool have a slight question mark in the front three, because Jurgen Klopp is without Sadio Mane, also away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Mane has been a regular on the right flank and Liverpool don't have a particularly obvious replacement for him. There's a possibility Adam Lallana will be pushed forward into the front three, but it's more likely that Roberto Firmino will be asked to play from the right. The Brazilian has looked much more comfortable as the central forward, even if he's more naturally an attacking midfielder, and is so good at starting Liverpool's pressing. From wide, he's been less effective.

That means a start for Daniel Sturridge, who was distinctly unimpressive in the reverse fixture, but has been in decent form recently. Most excitingly, however, Coutinho should come into the side after seven weeks out injured. His creativity has been missed, and he could be a crucial player here.

United start as favourites, but I think Liverpool could be a real test for Mourinho's men. In particular, Coutinho and Lallana combining between the lines could cause them problems with this 4-3-3 system, and while Carrick is in good form and Herrera is an extremely intelligent player capable of sitting deeper and protecting the defence, it feels like Lallana will find space in behind Pogba. Mourinho might even field a more defensive-minded left-sided midfielder - Ashley Young started the reverse fixture in that role - to provide more support for the back four.

United have plenty of attacking firepower too, but with questions about Ibrahimovic's fitness and uncertainties about who will start on the flanks, I'd be reluctant to back them scoring more than one goal. A 1-1 draw at 7.40 seems a decent bet.