As Chelsea faced Newcastle United away from home with the possibility of a win following Chelsea quality attacking trio as for Willian, Tammy Abraham and Callum Hudson-Odoi; the Manchester United side are bent to find a response as they keep in touching distant with Frank Lampard Chelsea’s side ahead of the top four contention.
With this stakes high for Manchester United coupled with the uncertainty of Marcus Rashford availability, we evaluate the things the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his side must do to get a positive result away at Anfield.
Play Compact/Terrific Defensive Correlation
Manchester United might have been known for quick counter attacking prowess but they may have to adopt a different game plan against Liverpool.
This is where the Red Devils repute was built as seen from the attacking threat the trio of Carlos Tevez, England’s Wayne Rooney and main man Cristiano presented in transition back in the days.
But a defensive reformation may perhaps be the provision for this fixture as Liverpool lines up their lethal front three via Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Sadio Mane with the aim for a win.
With Liverpool exploring defensive weakness of opposition in EPL, the Red Devils must keep it tight at the back while frustrating the Liverpool attack most especially from the Egyptian Mohamed Salah.
Free Role For Juan Mata
The Spaniard may have been in and out of the United first team at some point in the season due to form and injury concerns.
However, his decent showing against Norwich City with 2 assists in the 4-0 home win and the match winner against Wolves in the FA Cup in midweek, the player may have made his case for a starting berth out rightly.
The goal against Wolves summed up his quality while his vision in the creative department of the pitch was undeniable to watch.
He was unplayable against Norwich despite the fact we know that Liverpool have got better quality to offer in the United Clash.
But Mata has got the brilliance to outsmart Liverpool midfield while the visitor must make sure he’s protected like former Chelsea star Eden Hazard by the match referee as this will afford him the calmness to thrive given him the free role to aid his flair and creativity to United’s course in the contest.
Quick Transition Play
As Manchester United face Liverpool they must take the most of their advantage even as the Red Devils hope to have Marcus Rashford available for this fixture.
Solskjaer must arrange a flexible attacking (trio) unit capable to stunt Liverpool in the final third of the pitch. The likes of Anthony Martial should flank Daniel James in the centre forward role alongside Marcus Rashford.
But Mason Greenwood can replace the probable (Marcus) if the need arises as the Red Devils needs pace and flair to unsettle the rampaging Liverpool side at home.
