Matches between Manchester United and Liverpool are often decided by small margins and, historically, a single player emerges as a hero for the ages. But who will stand out this Saturday? Here, our team of writers focus on the men who could be influential at Anfield…
DAVID DE GEA
ManUtd.com’s Adam Marshall: We’re all hoping our super Spaniard won’t be too busy, but we know we can rely on him as the last line of defence. He made a couple of stunning saves in last year’s 0-0 draw at Anfield – look them up, they’re amazing - and he's also in the form of his life. Having successfully qualified for the World Cup with his country, keeping his 10th clean sheet of the campaign in the process, David can continue furthering his claim to be the world’s best goalkeeper.
ERIC BAILLY
ManUtd.com’s Joe Ganley: Liverpool are averaging 2.4 goals per game at home this season, so halting Jurgen Klopp’s free-scoring strikeforce will be critical. De Gea usually delivers something superhuman here, but the Reds’ defence must also be stoic and protect him. Bailly is a brave, bold and decisive presence at the heart of Jose Mourinho’s backline – qualities which should suit this famously high-octane fixture. The Ivorian could also influence matters in the opposition box: Liverpool conceded 12 Premier League goals from set pieces last season and United defenders (Steve Bruce, Denis Irwin, Gary Pallister, John O’Shea, Rafael) have a habit of scoring at Anfield.
"Liverpool are averaging 2.4 goals per game at home, so halting Jurgen Klopp’s free-scoring strikeforce is critical. Eric Bailly has qualities which suit this famously high-octane fixture."
ManUtd.com’s Mark Froggatt: Liverpool held 65 per cent of the possession in last season’s 0-0 draw at Anfield and I expect a similar proportion on Saturday, with United ready to pounce on the counter attack. Pace and drive is central to that tactic, but so too is reclaiming the ball and Matic is a master at that. He’s executed 14 tackles in the Premier League this season - more than any other Red - and we saw how the Serbian can trigger a breakaway goal against West Ham on the opening day. His role will be simple and effective: win the ball, unleash the speed.
ANDER HERRERA
United Review editor Paul Davies: Last season's Player of the Year, and our Man of the Match in the stalemate at Liverpool 12 months ago, has had to play a supporting role in 2017/18 due to the outstanding form of others. But with Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini likely sidelined, it could well be the Spaniard buzzing about alongside Matic. There will be periods of this match, although hopefully not as many as a year ago, when United will need to soak up pressure before launching into attack, and who better to be tearing around causing a nuisance than Herrera – a player who is adored for his high-energy, committed performances.
"There will be periods of this match when United must soak up pressure before launching into attack, and who better to be tearing around causing a nuisance than Ander Herrera."
ManUtd.com’s Matt Bullin: The impact our new no.9 has made is nothing short of remarkable. Lukaku has scored seven goals in his first seven Premier League outings for the Reds, and few will bet against him continuing that run against Liverpool’s struggling defence on Saturday. The Belgian has previous against the Merseysiders, having scored five goals in 13 games against them, and he will look to use his impressive physicality and pace to cause problems for a backline which will likely be without first choice centre-back Dejan Lovren.