Manchester United vs Liverpool: 3 factors that could decide the match | Premier League 2018-19

Manchester United vs Liverpool is undoubtedly one of the biggest rivalries in world football. We have been entertained to some brilliant football by this fixture over the years. On Sunday, it is going to be another brilliant match between these two rivals.

Manchester United are flying right now and their victory against Chelsea in the FA Cup might have taken their confidence to another level, while Liverpool hosted Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Liverpool beat Manchester United comprehensively last time out in December, but this time it could prove to be harder.

Here are three factors that could decide the match.

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#3 Performance of key figures

Paul Pogba and Mohamed Salah

In these kinds of big matches, every team wants their key players to step up and deliver. The key figures are usually the players in form, and here they are Paul Pogba and Mohamed Salah respectively for Manchester United and Liverpool.

Paul Pogba has been in scintillating form since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over Manchester United as the caretaker boss. He has scored 9 goals and assisted 6 in 12 games under the new management. These stats just prove the importance of this man's presence in Sunday's big clash, and Solskjaer would be hoping that his French beast is on top of his game.

For Liverpool, their main man as always will be Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian's pace is going to be key against Manchester United's relatively slow defence. Salah so far has scored 17 goals in the Premier League this season, and he would be hoping to add to that tally on Sunday.

What really takes me by surprise is the fact that he has 7 assists to his name, which just tells you what he has added to his game from last season.

#2 Performance of both midfields

Battle of midfielders

There is no doubt that Manchester United's revolution has taken place due to the fact that Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, and Ander Herrera have been in terrific form. Against a Liverpool side who tend to give very little time on the ball, the efficiency of these three could prove to be very important.

Also, the pressing has to be very precise and in order, because this Liverpool side can really hurt you, even if they are given a sniff.

For Liverpool, Gini Wijnaldum and Fabinho have been in terrific form recently and they would like that to continue. The biggest responsibility for Liverpool's midfield on the day would be how to keep Paul Pogba in check. Also, not to allow Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera control the game's tempo. If Liverpool is able to overrun Manchester United's midfield, then it would spell trouble for Manchester United.

#1 Managerial tactics

Battle of the managers

Last time against Manchester United, Jurgen Klopp went with the 4-3-3 formation. His midfielders were Fabinho, Naby Keita, and Gini Wijnaldum. I expect him to go with the same formation and same midfield.

But Fabinho was brilliant at the centre back position against Bayern Munich, so Klopp could play Jordon Henderson in the holding role instead and Fabinho with Virgil van Dijk at centre back. Also, Wijnaldum could be tasked with man-marking Paul Pogba, who is the clear danger man from Manchester United.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has usually played in a 4-4-2 diamond against big opposition and I think he would go with the same tactic. If Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial are fit, it could be a repeat of the system that Solskjaer deployed against Tottenham Hotspur. But if they aren't, then Lukaku and Rashford could be playing the roles of wide forwards and Juan Mata could be playing at the centre of the diamond.

Jurgen Klopp clearly has more managerial experience than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and that could prove to be decisive.