Premier League 2018-19: 3 key battles which could decide Liverpool's clash against Manchester United

Liverpool and Manchester United will square off this weekend in one of the famous fixtures of the Premier League era. These two are the most successful teams in England, with a total of 38 league titles between them, so it's natural that any match between them attracts a lot of attention.

Since 1992, Manchester United have been the more successful side between the two, with Liverpool yet to win the Barclays Premier League. However, in recent times, Jurgen Klopp's men have improved tremendously, and are now one of the favorites, along with Manchester City, to lift the title.

On the other hand, Manchester United and Jose Mourinho are struggling to get a run of good games under their belt, with just one win in their last five matches. The mood around Old Trafford is a bit gloomy, with the fans calling for Mourinho's exit before the season.

Anfield is always a tough place to visit for any opposition. Liverpool are unbeaten at home this season, and would look to continue that record against the Red Devils. Both sides have quality players in their ranks, and it could go down to some individual battles to decide the match.

Here are the three key clashes which could change the outcome of this high-octane battle.

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#3 Mo Salah against Ashley Young

Salah scored a hat-trick against Bournemouth

Mourinho has been struggling to set up a stable back four, with most defenders out injured. Lindelof is a confirmed absentee for the game, while Smalling and Bailly are racing against time to be fit.

However, the return of Ashley Young last week would have given the Portuguese some hope ahead of the crucial tie at Anfield.

Young put up a decent show against Fulham, repeatedly marauding forward down the right flank, and he even scored a delightful goal. But against Liverpool, he won't have the freedom to move forward as he has to take care of Mo Salah in defense.

Last season, Mourinho man-marked Salah with Young, and the Egyptian was left frustrated after the match. Salah is in brilliant form at the moment, which would make Young's job a lot harder.

#2 Andrew Robertson against Marcus Rashford

Rashford is United's in-form player at the moment.

Robertson played for Hull City in the Premier League before signing for Liverpool in 2017 for an undisclosed fee. The Scottish international impressed during his three seasons with the Tigers, forcing the Liverpool boss to acquire his services at the Anfield.

The Reds had an issue with the left back position before his arrival, with Moreno not able to earn the manager's trust. However, Robertson has flourished in the Liverpool jersey, and has been a revelation for Klopp's side ever since his arrival from Hull.

He is defensively reliable and can join forces in attack as well. But the most impressive part of his game is the link up play with Sadio Mane on the left flank. Robertson can run throughout the 90 minutes without breaking a sweat.

Klopp would be wary of the threat that Marcus Rashford poses. The 21-year-old has been United's best player in the last few games, and would be the key to unlocking Liverpool's defense.

Robertson likes to move forward, but he cannot let Rashford dribble away at any instance.

#1 Sadio Mane against Dalot/Valencia

Mane will be the key for Liverpool against United

Diogo Dalot made his second Premier League start against Fulham last weekend, and he was solid in defense and even joined forces in attack. Mourinho compared Dalot with United legend Gary Neville, and assured the fans of a long-term replacement for Antonio Valencia at the right-back position.

However, it would be interesting to see whether Mourinho starts with Dalot against a strong Liverpool side. He has the experience of Valencia at his disposal, and might play him instead in this high voltage fixture.

Whoever plays in the right full-back position would have his task out cut against Sadio Mane. The Senegalese international is one part of the destructive trio that Klopp has in his armor.

Mane's pace and power can give any defender a hard time. When the chips are down, he can also come up with the crucial match-winning goals.

If United can stop Mane, it would go a long way in deciding the fixture.