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Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool will resume their historic rivalry when they meet at Old Trafford on Sunday in an enticing Northwest derby.
The Red Devils, bolstered by the return of talismanic no.7 Cristiano Ronaldo, will look to inflict a first defeat on Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp's men are the only unbeaten side left in the English top flight. With five wins and 18 points from eight games, Liverpool are only behind league leaders Chelsea, but are the most form side in the division.
Led by the peerless Mohamed Salah, the Merseysiders are banging in goals at a frightening rate. Considering the same, they could take out a United side prone to defensive lapses. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are winless in their last three league games. That includes a stunning 4-2 reverse at Leicester City last weekend.
However, they had an epic comeback victory over Atalanta in the Champions League in midweek. That might help the Red Devils avoid a second consecutive defeat on home soil against Liverpool for the first time since 2002.
Ahead of the mouth-watering kick-off, here's a look at the five most important players from either team to watch out for in this clash:
#5 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk's importance to Liverpool became apparent when the then holders lost their steam following early season-ending injury last campaign. That led to the Reds relinquishing their Premier League crown rather limply.
However, the Dutchman has made a timely return to the squad this season, and it has seemed like he was never away. He's been imperious at the heart of the Liverpool defence, taking little time to conjure his best.
He is physically strong defender blessed with pace, good technique and an eye for goal. Van Dijk has played a huge role in Liverpool's excellent defensive record in the league this season. They've conceded the fewest goals after Chelsea and Manchester City.
However, in their defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this week, Van Dijk looked rusty, unsettled and out of place at times. He cannot afford an encore against Manchester United's fearsome attacking vanguard.
#4 Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Where do we even begin with Paul Pogba? The World Cup-winning Frenchman is a class apart when he's playing to his full potential. He remains key to Manchester United in terms of playmaking.
He already has seven assists in the league this season, including four in their season opener against Leeds United. Pogba is a hard-working and physically strong player who excels in the air and can shoot from distance.
The 28-year-old is known for his explosive playing style. He can turn games around with sublime crosses, and makes exceptional set-piece deliveries too.
Manchester United may have a stellar attack, but Pogba is the vital cog that keeps the juggernaut ticking. His big-game expertise could be crucial in United prevailing over the in-form Liverpool team.
#3 Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Following a dip in form last season, considering his staggering standards, Liverpool's Sadio Mane has returned to his best this season. He has already racked up six goals across competitions in 11 games.
Pacy, menacing and strong on the ball, the Senegalese star has had devastating link-ups with Salah. Mane's positional awareness and movement have improved a great deal too. A look at his latest goal against Manchester City stands testament to that.
With his swagger back, Mane is among the most in-form players in the league right now, and could provide Manchester United's fragile defence a stiff examination.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
In his last game against Liverpool, Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the 2018 UEFA Champions League. But in Manchester United colours, he suffered a 4-1 defeat in the derby in 2009, scoring their only goal from the penalty spot.
His struggles against the Merseyside outfit are well documented, as he has scored only thrice in 12 games. But the Portuguese ace is brimming with confidence since returning to Old Trafford, and that could translate into a goal or two on Sunday.
With a match-winning goal against Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday, Ronaldo showed his importance to the team. Even at 36, he's playing a central role, unlike his peers, so one can expect him to have a big say in this game as well.
#1 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
There's no one better in current form than Mohamed Salah, who's on a tear right now. With 12 goals and four assists in 11 games across competitions for Liverpool, the Egyptian is unstoppable at the moment. He has also scored in each of his last nine appearances, the first Liverpool player to do so.
Absolutely devastating in front of goal and brimming with confidence, Salah is making an outside case for the 2021 Ballon d'Or award.
He was among the few consistent performers for the Reds during their indifferent 2002-21 campaign. On current form, Salah could guide Liverpool to their second league title in three seasons this campaign.
Salah, though, has often struggled against Manchester United, scoring only twice in seven top-flight games against them. But considering his inspired form, only a brave man would bet against the Egyptian winger scoring on Sunday.
