Liverpool vs Manchester United: 5 players who will influence the outcome

Liverpool against Manchester United is always a historic game, with the two teams playing for pride and bragging rights.

With both teams vying for the Premier League title, there is a lot on the line at Anfield.

José Mourinho needs this win to cement his team as challengers, given he has critics questioning whether they can really perform against the 'big' teams. Whereas Jürgen Klopp needs to steady the ship at Liverpool, who are currently below Burnley in the league.

Here are five players who will influence the game:

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#5 Philippe Coutinho

The Brazilian has returned to Liverpool’s starting XI after a very tumultuous summer of back and forth over a potential transfer to Spanish giants Barcelona.

However, now that he is back in contention, Coutinho has been superb for Liverpool, and it is clear to see why Klopp was adamant to keep him in England for at least one more season.

Coutinho gets the Reds driving on the front foot, with his quick footwork and impeccable intelligence to pick out a pass. He is such a handful for any team he comes up against.

The Reds' star player will be expected to dictate the play in the final third, threading through-balls in-between United's central defenders for Roberto Firmino. We have seen how skilled and talented Coutinho is, but now is his time to repay the faithful Liverpool fans for this summer's debacle.

#4 Ander Herrera

Ander Herrera will get the chance to impress

The former Athletic Bilbao star might not have had a big part to play this season so far, but given the injuries to Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini, Herrera now has an important task against Liverpool.

Typically, since arriving at Old Trafford, Herrera has been fantastic in the traditionally ‘bigger’ games. The Spaniard has the passion to play at a high intensity and get under the skin of his opponents.

Against Liverpool, back in 2015, Herrera dictated the game from start to finish and set Juan Mata up for the opening goal. He does not get fazed by a hostile crowd - which is what it will be like at Anfield.

Herrera will look to man-mark Coutinho and stop his influence on the game, especially from the midfield areas. As shown last season, the Spaniard is a trusting player to do this, as he performed so diligently when man-marking Eden Hazard.

Mourinho clearly has a lot of faith in Herrera, even if he has not picked him a lot this season. Now is his time to stamp down his authority on United's midfield and show the boss why he is a pivotal part of this squad.

#3 Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku is in fine form

The Belgian international has been excellent since arriving in the summer from Everton for £75m.

Scoring 16 goals in his last 13 games for club and country, Lukaku is in the form of his life. Manchester United fans will be hoping he can replicate that at Anfield.

There have been many critics suggesting Lukaku cannot deliver against the ‘bigger’ teams, but here is his chance to prove his doubters wrong and directly influence the game against Liverpool.

Lukaku’s smart runs and sheer pace will stretch Liverpool’s defence, and we have already seen how feeble and disorganised it is. Ashley Young, who is likely to be starting at left back, will have his crossing boots on to try and find Lukaku, who has been superb in the box.

#2 Mo Salah

Mo Salah

Over the international break, Salah took the winning penalty to send Egypt to their first World Cup since 1990, and so he will be on a high.

Salah has already shown what he is capable of this season, with his electric speed, waltz-like runs past defenders, and his ability to find his man in the box, or to cut inside and shoot.

He is a menace for any opposition defender and will look to show these same qualities against Manchester United.

Salah allows Liverpool’s frontline to be incredibly fluid; the front four all like to interchange positions, especially Firmino, who acts as a false nine.

#1 Dejan Lovren

Lovren in action

One important player in this tie could be Lovren, but not for the right reasons. He has had a poor start to the season, and his performance against Newcastle United was no different.

If Manchester United can isolate Lovren, then they will have a vast amount of chances throughout the game.

The pace of Marcus Rashford, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Romelu Lukaku should cause all types of trouble for the Liverpool defence, and mainly to Lovren.

Lukaku will likely be playing on the shoulder of Lovren, looking to stretch Liverpool’s defence and create space for his teammates.

The Croatian defender has a mistake in his locker and United’s attackers will know that - he is a liability to this Liverpool team.