Manchester United vs Liverpool: Where the game will be won or lost

That humiliation at Anfield back in December will still be on the minds of the Manchester United players when they come out of the Old Trafford tunnel on Sunday to face title contenders Liverpool.

A lot will be at stake when the two teams embrace the turf. It is one of most anticipated games of the season, not only because of the history and rivalry shared by the two clubs, but because it may decide where these two teams will finish at the end of the season. One team is going for the title while the other is fighting for the Champions League spot. These key battles on the field will decide the outcome of this highly anticipated game.

The midfield

Ander Herrera has been in great form for Manchester United of late

Both teams are expected to play with three in midfield. While Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic, and Paul Pogba will surely start for Manchester United in the midfield, it would be interesting to see who Jurgen Klopp picks in those positions. His trusted trio of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Wijnaldum is expected to start the game, but don't be surprised if you see Naby Keita or Fabinho in that midfield on Sunday to add some creativity to his side.

His midfield generals will have a humongous task of keeping in-form Paul Pogba quiet throughout the game and will definitely look at the job Marquinhos did on Pogba in the Champions League last Tuesday, man-marking him out of the game. Here's where Ander Herrera comes in.

After that dominant midfield performance against Chelsea on Monday, Herrera be looking forward to repeating the same against Liverpool, taking some pressure off Paul Pogba. In conclusion, the team that'll boss the midfield area is surely gonna come out on top at the end of 90 minutes.

Paul Pogba v Mohamed Salah

Both these players have been pivotal for their respective teams throughout the season. After the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Pogba has shown exactly why United paid a whopping £89.3 million for him back in 2016, scoring 9 goals and providing 6 assists under the Norwegian manager.

On the other hand, Salah is continuing where he left last season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions. Pogba was the star of the show against Chelsea on Monday, scoring 1 and creating 1, and if he gives anything near to that performance, United fans are in for a treat. Mo salah is yet to score against United and United defenders would like to keep it that way on Sunday.

Front three

This is where Liverpool might have an edge over United with both Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial doubtful to start due to injuries (but don't be surprised if you see them on the team sheets on Sunday). Both have been pivotal in the way Solskjaer wants his team to play. In their absence, expect Mata and Lukaku to partner Marcus Rashford up front. It would be interesting to see if Solskjaer picks Fred in place of Mata, who can offer the same kind of energy Jesse Lingard gives in the middle of the park. It might be risky to take such a gamble against such terrific opposition, but a one that could change the game completely in favor of Manchester United, helping them press higher up the field and impose themselves on the game.

Liverpool on the other hand will lineup with Firmino, Mane and Salah, spearheading the Liverpool attack and will have a point to make after their poor performance in the goal-less draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool