Talking Points: Liverpool v Manchester United
Here are six key talking points to mull over ahead of Manchester United’s much-anticipated Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday afternoon…
The international break is almost over and club football will soon return with an almighty bang! Yes, there were some great World Cup qualifying matches over the last week, but nothing compares to the Reds and our last outing, against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, feels like a long, long time ago. Thankfully, we’re back this weekend in a fixture which many fans describe as the biggest of the season and it’s hard to argue with that opinion, given the combined history of the two giant clubs: United have famously won 20 league titles, which is crucially one more than the Merseysiders and that ensures a fierce rivalry. It’s set to be a corker.
The Bigger Picture
ArticleGet in the mood for Saturday's Premier League blockbuster at Liverpool, where United can make a powerful statement.
United have made an excellent start to the Premier League season by registering six wins and a draw from the opening seven matches, while also scoring a whopping 21 goals in the process. As such, Jose Mourinho’s men have been tipped as title challengers and Saturday represents an opportunity to flex some muscle against a Liverpool side that finished inside the top four in 2016/17.
"This is one of the big games of the season without a doubt. There’s no need to say what it means for us and for our fans."
That’s the question on many fan’s minds after the midfielder suffered an injury while playing for Belgium in a World Cup qualifier, despite the fact that they had already progressed to Russia 2018. Worryingly, boss Roberto Martinez has expressed a fear that it could be ligament damage for Marouane, although it’s important to state the United medical team is yet to assess the big man.
Romelu was also called up for international action by Belgium, but the former Everton striker did not feature in their outing at the weekend due to a slight injury. It has been reported that he could feature against Cyprus on Tuesday night, but it is currently unclear whether he’ll be fit to face Liverpool.
5: UNITED HAVE FRESH LEGS
A small group of influential Reds remained in Manchester during the international break and are therefore raring to go this weekend, if selected. That list includes captain Michael Carrick, Spanish midfielders Ander Herrera and Juan Mata, plus September Player of the Month Anthony Martial. The latter is particularly on fire and has history against Liverpool, following his sensational debut goal.
6: SPECIAL DAY FOR LIVERPOOL
Liverpool have announced that Anfield’s Centenary Stand will be renamed the Kenny Dalglish Stand on Saturday in honour of the Scottish club legend. To celebrate the occasion, a special mosaic will be revealed ahead of kick-off and the matchday programme will feature a cover dedicated to Dalglish.
The Kenny Dalglish Stand.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 7, 2017
To be officially unveiled next Saturday: https://t.co/4chM2EmHwM pic.twitter.com/gtlwZIFROd