How Important is Manchester United vs Liverpool on Saturday?

WHAT TO EXPECT ON SATURDAY

Liverpool v Manchester United - Premier League

A 0-0 draw will satisfy absolutely no one. This will also not be the result, so no need to worry. Instead, the Premier League’s Saturday afternoon showcase will feature what will be, in my opinion, the match we have all been waiting for between Klopp’s Liverpool and Mourinho’s Manchester United. It will be a chess match, no doubt, but one that differs from their previous three encounters.

At some point, especially with United as the hosts, Mourinho will instruct his players to go on the offensive. Yes, attack. I know that the word “attack” and the name “Mourinho” represents an oxymoron of epic proportion, but allow me to further explain. If there is one thing that is even larger than the United supporters’ desire to win, it is Mourinho’s ego. He wants to beat Klopp (Klopp’s record vs Mourinho: 3W-4D-1L) and put the rumours to bed once and for all that he can’t.

The winners in this latest installment of the North West Derby will gain a massive psychological advantage over the losers as the 2017-18 season approaches it’s final weeks. Sure, neither club can win the league, but at this point, it is about beating each other. Both sides are still playing Champions League football and will almost certainly qualify for next year’s competition (barring a collapse of epic proportions).

Liverpool v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Round of 16: First Leg

After three disappointing draws in this rivalry it is time for Klopp’s “heavy metal football” to go head-to-head with Mourinho’s more conservative, yet effective approach. With an attack that features the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, and Anthony Martial, a defence that is consistently efficient, and perhaps the world’s greatest keeper, there is no need for Mourinho to play timid football. Likewise, based on LFC’s recent good form, I expect Klopp’s instructions to be quite simple: “attack, attack, attack”.