Manchester United vs Liverpool: 4 Tactical factors to watch out for

#4 Ball-possession will be the key in the midfield

Both the teams have identical midfield formations to an extent and it would be an interesting battle in the midfield on Sunday. Nemanja Matic and Fabinho would stay in their respective halves most of the times, and give cover to their defenders, whereas Ander Herrera and Wijnaldaum would play box-to-box and help both the forwards and the defenders of United and Liverpool respectively.

However, Keita would have to step up his game for Liverpool, as he pales in comparison with the superb Pogba. Klopp could actually think of playing Adam Lallana in the midfield, as the latter has the ability to slow the game down and keep possession. He has 21 goals in 151 matches for Liverpool till date, and his experience could be useful in such a match.

United usually look a lesser side when they are unable to win back possession easily in the midfield, as quick retrieval of the ball allows their midfielders to go into the attack swiftly. Lallana’s inclusion in the Liverpool line-up might peg Herrera and Pogba back somewhat, as they would have to toil harder in order to win back possession. It might also nullify United’s attacking threat somewhat.

However, if Lallana plays in the midfield, Liverpool’s other two midfielders would have their task cut out in defence, as the former is not going to contribute much defensively.

About the author

Subhadeep, an adept tennis journalist at Sportskeeda, has been writing about the sport for seven years. He is known for his exclusive match reviews and opinion pieces, utilizing his MBA degree to tackle them effectively with his problem-solving abilities.

Subhadeep lives and breathes tennis. He watches matches regularly and engages in social media platforms to stay on top of the latest happenings. As a writer, he brings the fan's perspective to his pieces, ensuring his readers enjoy an exceptional experience every time.

Growing up, he idolized Boris Becker, but he now firmly believes Novak Djokovic stands alone as the 'Greatest of all Time', especially considering the 24-time Grand Slam champion's incredible stats. One thing that still puzzles Subhadeep, however, is how Becker's Wimbledon tally might have reached five if not for Pete Sampras.

Speaking of the All England Club, the British Major holds a special place in his heart as he admires its blend of tradition and grass-court excellence. When not working for Sportskeeda, Subhadeep delves into the other "love of his life": football, and enjoys contributing his insights to different websites dedicated to the sport.

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Edited by Ben Roberts