Manchester United vs Liverpool: 5 players to watch out for | Premier League 2020-21

Klopp needs to find answers to Liverpool's problems Paul Pogba has found his mojo back
Klopp needs to find answers to Liverpool's problems Paul Pogba has found his mojo back

It has been a rather tough season for Liverpool, who have already been mathematically dethroned as champions. While there is no doubt about who is going to win the English Premier League, the Reds can confirm it with a win against Manchester United this weekend.

The league title is surely the last thing on Jurgen Klopp's mind as his side are on the brink of missing out on next season's UEFA Champions League. Any glimmer of hope for a top-four spot starts with getting the three points at stake in this game.

There are all smiles at Manchester United, on the other hand, who seem to have everything under control. Ole's men are one win away from confirming a UCL spot. The Red Devils also have a foot in the Europa League final after an emphatic 6-2 win in the semi-final first-leg against Roma.

Jordan Henderson and Divock Origi are out with groin and muscle injuries respectively, while Anthony Martial and Phil Jones will miss the game with knee injuries. Four of the last seven encounters between the two clubs have ended goalless, but with the attacking talent on display, you just never know.

Keeping that in mind, let us take a look at the five players to watch out for from this game:


#5 Fabinho

Fabinho will likely lineup at centre-back again for Liverpool against Manchester United
Fabinho will likely lineup at centre-back again for Liverpool against Manchester United

Liverpool will be without Nat Phillips for a third successive match as a lingering hamstring issue keeps him out of this clash. That means Fabinho will be forced to start at centre-back again, alongside Ozan Kabak.

The reliable Brazilian has done a solid job at the back as Klopp struggled with the long-term injuries of Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joël Matip. Fabinho boasts good numbers even as a defender and is also the leader of that defense.

His main threat would be star-striker Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan has 5 goals in his last 7 games including a brace against Roma last Thursday, and is in red-hot form. Fabinho will have to be at his very best on Sunday night.


#4 Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba has found his mojo back
Paul Pogba has found his mojo back

Midfield battles win you games and Paul Pogba is there to do just that. It has been a season full of criticism and applause.

The last few months though have been absolutely amazing for the 28-year old. With goal involvement in five games out of the last seven, Pogba is enjoying his current run of form. There are always rumors about him wanting a transfer but his performance last Thursday proved why Manchester United don't want him to leave.

Ole will be hoping that Pogba's dazzling skills and presence in that midfield can win his side this important game.

#3 Mason Greenwood

Mason Greenwood the talented teenager
Mason Greenwood the talented teenager

After a tough start to the season, Mason Greenwood is showcasing his enormous talent once again. Greenwood came off the bench to score his seventh European goal during Roma's demolition and it was a ruthless finish.

Five goals in seven appearances shows how strong he has come after his early season struggles. Another amazing fact is that apart from Marcus Rashford, Greenwood is just the second United player to score in five separate competitions this season.

It will be interesting to see the 19-year old winger who is brimming with confidence against Liverpool who like to push their full-backs up the field.


#2 Mohamed Salah

Mo Salah fighting for his third golden boot
Mo Salah fighting for his third golden boot

The season might not have gone how Mo Salah hoped it would, but it is still an excellent one for the Egyptian. With 20 goals to his name, Salah is only second to Harry Kane, who is leading the race for the golden boot with 21 goals to his name.

Liverpool's Champions League spot depends a lot on how Salah performs in these remaining games. The 28-year can help his team make a statement with a win against their arch-rivals.

Salah scored twice when these sides met earlier in the FA Cup in January and will be looking to do the same in this must-win game for Liverpool. Harry Chambers was the only Liverpool player to score away against the Red Devils in two different games (Season 1920-1921).


#1 Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United's talisman
Manchester United's talisman

With 26 goals and 16 assists this season in all competitions, it is safe to say Bruno Fernandes is one of the best in the world at the moment. Everything the Portuguese touches, turns into gold.

Manchester United's talisman inspired a stunning 6-2 win over Roma earlier this week and has been doing similar things all season. Bruno, though, is not satisfied with his numbers. The 26-year-old hit 32 goals for Sporting back in the 2018-19 season and believes he can do better at Manchester United.

His attitude and skillset is why he takes the top spot here. If Jurgen Klopp wants to get the better of Manchester United, he needs to find a way to stop Bruno Fernandes.

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