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This weekend, the football fans would be up for the most exciting encounter in the Premier League when Manchester United would be hosting Liverpool. The rivalry between the two clubs needs no introduction.
However, this time the game would be played for the three points which would potentially decide the runner-up of the 2017/18 season in England.
United sit second at the moment in the points table ahead of third-placed Liverpool with a two-point gap between them.
A win for Liverpool would see them move to the second spot, a point ahead of their arch-rivals. However, if Jose's men manage to pull out a win, they would extend their lead over the Reds to five points.
Old Trafford will witness a highly anticipated encounter. United are brimming with confidence after their back-to-back victories against Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
Let's take a look at the reasons which suggest that United would get better of their rivals on Saturday.
#3 In-form Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku arrived at United in a big money move from Everton and hit the ground running at Old Trafford. He netted seven in his first seven appearances of the season. It appeared as if the Red Devils finally have their dream No. 9.
However, the tables turned dramatically for the Belgian at the club where he experienced a goal drought, netting one goal in 11 appearances at one point of time.
The striker fought his way back to form and recently he has bagged four goals for the club in the last four outings in all competitions. His performance against Chelsea earned him the Man of the Match award.
Against Crystal Palace, he netted the equaliser and displayed his strength and composure on the ball. The 24-year-old appears to be playing on his merits now.
His form would be crucial in defining United's season from here on. Liverpool's shaky defence should be dreading a beast like Lukaku in front of their goal.
#2 Home factor
United's home form can be well described by saying that Manchester City is the only team to have defeated them at Old Trafford in the league, in the past two seasons.
Liverpool's last visit to the Theater of Dreams saw the points being shared between the clubs. The Reds conceded a late equaliser from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Red Devils have lost only one game at home this season so far. Their defensive record at Old Trafford is sublime, where they have conceded only six goals so far.
Jose Mourinho's men have shown some serious mettle at their home. It would take the Anfield giants one heck of a job to put United behind and capitalize on their lead.
United's last home game against Chelsea saw them come back from a goal behind to win all the three points.
Old Trafford would be buzzing ahead of such a crucial fixture. Moreover, the fans would be keen to overturn the manager's opinion of them, who has termed the atmosphere in the stadium to be "quiet".
#1 The Special One's tactical awareness
In Jose Mourinho, Manchester United have a manager who cannot be underestimated before any anticipated or important fixture.
The importance of three points in the clash only underline the aforesaid fact. Mourinho has proved his genius from the drawing board repeatedly since taking the job at Old Trafford.
He has shackled the likes of Eden Hazard and Christian Eriksen in the past which has eventually deprived their teams' of all the creativity. Jose's abilities need absolutely no introduction. The Portuguese manager has fine tactical prowess.
Liverpool may have a swashbuckling attack in the form of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah. However, Klopp's beautiful idea of the game would severely take a hit at the weekend when he faces an organised United side.
It would take more than just flair for the Reds to break down this Mourinho side.
