The world of football is in fever as Liverpool vs Man United. This is a fixture with long established roots, one of the biggest in English football and another classic clash awaits. This article takes a look at the predicted lineups for each team, The recent form of both sides and what key tactical battles may be on show with this interesting semi final in store.
Predicted Liverpool F.C. Starting XI
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker is Liverpool’s number one keeper for a reason. This has been helped by his consistently good form and shot stopping. The lightning quick reflexes and control of his area required from Alisson will aid the keeper when it comes to keeping Manchester United at bay.
Defenders
Likely to start as the right and left backs will be Trent Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson. With the creativity and crossing ability of Alexander Arnold posing an offensive potency alongside Robertson’s tireless energy on the left, they can combine to create a serious goal scoring threat.
Central Defense
Virgil van Dijk as the head of defence with Ibrahima Konaté Professor Van Dijk’s experience and leadership together with Konaté’s physicality creates a championship seal. Manchester United vs Liverpool Liverpool will have its unbeaten run on the line at Arsenal, but with Manchester United up next in fixture 21. Note to the LFC defensive line: You better stay very awake against that frontline
Midfielders
The key to the game Winner
Liverpool’s midfield. Hence, look for Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcântara to start midfield. It is a mix we lack with Henderson providing the industry and leadership, Fabinho offering defensive solidity while Thiago brings his creative juices to life in midfield. They both serve an important purpose in midfield by disrupting play and moving defence into attack.
Forwards
Liverpool’s attacking trio would consist of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz. The pace and finishing of Salah are always a danger, Núñez provides the physical attributes with an eye for goal while Díaz brings firepower from out wide. Well, those two have to click for United’s otherwise impregnable defence.
Probable Lineup for Manchester United
Goalkeeper
David De Gea remains the No 1 at Manchester United for now. De Gea has an excellent shot stopping ability and reflexes, which means he would have to be on top form to prevent Liverpool’s attacking forces.
Defenders
The defence is expected to be more of the same with Aaron Wan Bissaka and Luke Shaw as full backs for Manchester United. The defensive quality of Wan Bissaka and the ability Shaw has to play his role defensively as well as in attack is important.
At the centre of defence is likely to be Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martínez. This gives a balanced partnership due to Varane’s experience and Martínez playing more aggressively. They will need to keep a lid on Liverpool’s front three.
Midfielders
Manchester United Midfielder: Casemiro, Christian Eriksen & Bruno Fernandes Casemiro will be key in stopping Liverpool, Eriksen and Fernandes balance creativity with a defensive mindset; the tree behind Bruno is all encompassing. They have to move quicker and pass it into those spaces where then Mbappe and Griezmann can score.
Forwards
Attack Marcus Rashford Anthony Martial; Jadon Sancho Rashford with his pace and finishing, Martial for some link up play but most importantly Sancho to exploit that vulnerable Liverpool defence. The way those two link up and finish their chances will be essential.
Tactical Battle Liverpool vs Man United
The attacking style of Liverpool Liverpool
Liverpool will look to play counter attacking football and spread the wings. The full backs of Alexander Arnold and Robertson will give the extra width with their overlapping runs to stretch United’s defence. This game plan remains in Víctor Díaz will be brought forward to exploit any spaces that remain when Salah drifts left, or by the constant pressing which this system should provide plenty of opportunities for making interceptions and pinning United back. Núñez provides a physical presence in the box while Salah cuts inside from wide areas areas
Manchester United’s Defending Strategy
For United, well they will require no excessive issues in defense. Key Battles Varane and Martínez vs the dynamic Liverpool frontline. The job of protecting the defence and disorganizing Liverpool’s attacking play will largely fall on Casemiro. On the flanks, Wan Bissaka and Shaw should at least provide a defensive platform for counter attacks.
Midfield Battle
Both sides possess class in midfield so whoever wins that battle will have space to dictate the flow of the game. Neto, Veinious and Curtis all showed promise last season but I expect Liverpool to make sure they dominate the ball so that Henderson Fabinho and Thiago can control possession. On the other hand, Manchester United’s midfielders will be Casemiro in particular and they look to unsettle Liverpool all day long while maintaining a low block of their own but focused towards pouncing on an opportunity for a swing attack.
Recent Form and Key Players
Liverpool’s Recent Form
Liverpool is in red hot form with superb defence and can blow anyone away going forward. Salah, in particular, has been on fire, scoring at will. Liverpool just has to gain some confidence from their most recent performances.
Manchester United Form
Manchester United have been in good shape too, specifically at the back and through midfield. Casemiro has strengthened the midfield, and Rashford is on a high from his last games. The way the team deals with Liverpool’s attacking guns will be a big test.
Conclusion
The Liverpool vs Man United clash is poised to be one of the most enthralling. The match is expected to be a cracker with both sides having the right blend of class and touch. Liverpool has their attacking power tested against United on Saturday night their midfield battle could be crucial to the match’s outcome Liverpool is four points behind City, and six games unbeaten going into this contest Fred signed from Shakhtar for nearly £52million 16 months ago has been enjoying impressive season defending the back four. It will be an intriguing match and with both sides looking to establish themselves on top from the outset there could well be end to end action throughout.
Read More: Everton vs Liverpool: Expected Lineups and Tactics