Manchester United vs Liverpool – The five big talking points ahead of this weekend's clash

It’s that time of the season when the two bitter rivals face each other again.The last time these two met, it ended 3-1 in favor of Liverpool and it also ended Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United career. This time, it’s a new Manchester United though. Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s team has been cruising lately despite the stumble in Champions League against PSG at home and if Jürgen Klopp’s men are not cautious, they could lose the Premier League title at the Old Trafford. Ahead of this clash of the Reds and the Red Devils, we take a look at the five big talking points.

#1 - The return of the big man

van Dijk set to return against Manchester United.

Suspended for the 1st leg of the Champions League match against Bayern, Virgil Van Dijk is set to return against Manchester United. The makeshift defence of Matip - Fabinho stood firm against Bayern but Liverpool has missed the big man in defence. Though they kept a clean sheet, Liverpool is known to be far more vulnerable at the back without Virgil Van Dijk. With United's morale high after the FA Cup win against Chelsea, Virgil Van Dijk’s return will be a major boost for Liverpool.

#2 - Pogback

Pogba is playing at a much higher level under Manchester United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Often having to carry the huge price tag of his £89.3 million transfer fee, Paul Pogba’s performance wasn’t deemed up to the level by many sport’s experts. He wasn’t even considered in the starting line up with the former coach. It has changed under Solskjær’s reign with the World Cup winner tallying 9 goals and 6 assists so far. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Manchester United’s attack is centered around Paul Pogba. He’ll be one to watch out for as he links Herrera and Matic to Rashford. Liverpool’s midfield have a tough job at hands, already having a headache to choose between Fabinho and Henderson or Keita, especially when they have an in-form Pogba to mark.

#3 - Redemption time for the front three

Liverpool's front three have been looking for a chance to get back on track in front of goal.

It’s been the same story lately with Liverpool’s front three often misfiring. Liverpool’s chances against Bayern could be summed up in just a line: ‘Sadio Mané missing sitters as Mohamed Salah doesn’t live up to the mark.’ Nearly ruled out of the Bayern match with a virus, Roberto Firmino had put up a good performance but even he missed quite a few golden chances. With Manchester United having two major injury concern in Jesse Lingard (Hamstring) and Anthony Martial (Groin) ahead of the Liverpool clash and probably having to turn to Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sánchez, it could be the perfect time for Liverpool’s attack to make the most of it. It could be redemption time for the front three.

#4 - David De Gea or Alisson Becker – The number one goalkeeper

David De Gea has been reigning over the Premier League for the past two or three years now. He has earned the number one goalkeeper title with his amazing shots stopping ability and incredible foot saves. In the opposite goal is Alisson Becker, signed for a fee of £66.8 million from Roma. He has been justifying his price tag with 14 clean sheets in 26 appearances in the Premier League while David De Gea has 9 clean sheets. Becker conceded 15 goals while De Gea conceded a whopping 35 goals. There is no doubt that De Gea has been number one but Becker is slowly consolidating his place in the Premier League.

It’s yet to see whose show will it be this Sunday.

#5 - Top 4 vs Title run

Manchester City hold the EPL trophy. Can Liverpool hold it this season?

With Arsenal and Chelsea only a point behind Manchester United, the latter knows that in case of defeat, top 4 will be in danger. But Liverpool is in a bigger danger of losing their title with Manchester City at equality of points having played a game more than Liverpool. The last time Liverpool won a title, it was in the year 1990. Sure they came close to winning the title in 2009 with Fernando Torres or 2014 with Luis Suarez but this time, they have a much better squad with a determined coach. While Manchester United’s top 4 could be in danger, Liverpool desperately needs to pass the Old Trafford test as they have a title to win.

Manchester United will look forward to ruin Liverpool’s title run optimism by defeating the latter while Liverpool will find their frayed nerves soothed with a win in the rival territory.

Rendezvous this Sunday as Manchester United receive their bitter rival Liverpool at the Theater of Dreams.