Manchester United versus Liverpool: some questions leading up to the epic encounter

Jose Mourinho's side host Liverpool in a top of the table Barclays Premier League affair as an enticing week of football kick-starts with their clash against Crystal Palace on Monday night. Liverpool, who have been in sublime form since their shock defeat against Swansea have a small matter of the Champions League second leg tie against Porto.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has been clever to navigate away from speculation, hinting that he might rest key players in wake of the 5-0 aggregate lead they bring to Anfield.

For the Red Devils though, there is no respite with a lot riding on their home leg against Sevilla, which in all fairness could prove to be a potential banana skin. In hindsight, Saturday's match could prove to be a launchpad for United, a late burst in the league having struggled for consistency all season. Let's take a look at some pressing questions as we build up to derby day.

Who will come out on top?

We could be dealing with fine margins come Saturday

Liverpool's expansive football have seen them emerge as genuine contenders for the Premier League title apart from the seemingly invincible Manchester City. Their front three are ruthless when allowed space and time in opposition territory.

The away leg played out to a 0-0 draw with the United boss criticized for his overly defensive outlook at Anfield but can Jose once again put out such a display in-front of the home crowd?

Expect Mourinho to deploy a similar approach to the one that got him the victory at the Emirates Stadium. Manchester United usually win when they take the lead into half-time at Old Trafford but can they do it against a Liverpool side that has scored 10 goals in their last 3 away outings?

Prediction: The Jury is out on this one.

Who plays at Left-back for United?

Stopping Liverpool would mean stopping Mohamed Salah from scoring. The Egyptian has been in unreal form, scoring 7 goals in his last 7 matches. Ashley Young is the trusted deputy for Jose Mourinho and has filled in admirably at left-back but on Saturday he will face a player who is the top-scorer in the Premier League. Will Mourinho trust Young's ageing legs against the electric Salah or could he surprise everyone by drafting Shaw into the mix?

The former Southampton man has got the pace but has failed to convince his manager into trusting him with the starting berth. Tuesday's clash against Crystal Palace could indicate what Mourinho will choose, Pace or Experience?

Prediction: Young will keep his place

Will Pogba and Lingard start together?

Both are imperative for United's success

It is quite frankly the most troubling question from a United fan perspective - who starts in attacking midfield for Manchester United? Jesse Lingard is in the form of his life and his introduction was the turning point in their victory against Chelsea while Paul Pogba is clearly suited to that position having struggled to adapt to the box to box role.

So much so that Mourinho has brought the young Scott McTominay into the fold to push Pogba further up the field. Lingard on the wings is another prospect but who makes way for him, Martial or Sanchez? Mourinho has to get this one right and placing either one of them on the bench could prove fatal.

Prediction: Martial makes way for Lingard

Who will play alongside Naby Keita in midfield next season?

The Guinean is touted to be Coutinho's replacement

Jurgen Klopp has been keen to rotate his midfield throughout the campaign with Georginio Wijnaldum, Emre Can, Jordan Henderson and James Milner, all deployed as the deep lying playmaker.

A position which has been under the scanner with Emre Can's impending departure, James Milner seems to be the obvious choice for the role with Henderson still not fully fit. Jorginho and Jean Seri are speculated as incoming transfers for the summer and Old Trafford could provide a view into Jurgen Klopp's philosophy regarding the much discussed position.

Expect Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain to start alongside Milner with Emre Can completing the inverted triangle. Wijnaldum has been absent with diarrhea and on-form, James Miner will Captain Liverpool, taking the armband from Jordan Henderson.

Prediction: Alex Chamberlain has an opportunity to stake a permanent place in the English national team starting line-up if he manages to deliver a stellar performance against United. If Emre Can departs, Klopp will go for a controlling midfielder in the summer transfer window.

Is Van Dijk the final piece of Liverpool's defensive puzzle?

When Liverpool shelled out £75 million for Virgil Van Dijk, the entire footballing community let out a collective gasp at the price tag. Definitely Klopp had paid over the odds for the former Southampton man. However no one seems to be complaining now after witnessing his colossal performances in recent weeks.

The Dutchman is an assured presence at the back and is adept at steam-rolling forwards with big strides. Such has been his impact that Loris Karius and Dejan Lovren seem world class when paired alongside him.

The number 4 can be seen pinging long balls from the back, an ardent weapon to have against teams that sit back and it is no surprise that Liverpool have kept four clean sheets in their last six matches with the former Southampton man marshaling their rear guard.

Prediction: Lukaku will present a stern test for Van Dijk especially after his heroics against Chelsea. Their individual battle could massively influence the final scoreline.