Liverpool vs Manchester United: 3 things to watch out for | Premier League 2019-20

#3 United’s young forwards coming up against titans in Liverpool defence

Marcus Rashford could miss the match with an injury

The Liverpool defence consists of two behemoths, both literally and figuratively, in the forms of Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk. Those two are the among the best in the world in their respective playing positions, and would try to keep a clean sheet against the relatively inexperienced and young United attackers. Joe Gomez, the other Liverpool centre-back, is no pushover either, and Liverpool have actually conceded very few goals with Gomez in the side.

It would be a litmus test for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, who have scored 19 and 11 goals, respectively so far this season. Martial and Rashford would have to switch positions frequently in order to trouble the supremely organized Liverpool defence. However, should Rashford miss the tie owing to an injury, Mason Greenwood, another youngster, would get a chance to impress his manager.

Moreover, Andreas Perreira, who is likely to play the role of a no. 10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation for United, would also have to hold his own against the likes of Jordan Henderson and Giorginio Wijnaldaum. Perreira’s role could be very crucial and Fred and Matic would be mostly busy in dealing with the Liverpool forwards. The speed of Daniel James, however, might come in handy in creating holes in the Liverpool defence.