Liverpool start this match with a 16 point lead over Manchester United. From this point of view, it is difficult to make a case for them not to continue their positive path to the championship trophy for this match.
Jürgen Klopp's players had a tough game against Napoli in the middle of the week, but they had more than a day more of Mourinho's players for rest, as United took on Spain in Valencia. However, Jose Mourinho rested a lot of players on that match that he lost 2-1. But it is again difficult to predict his initial composition, and even the initial formation.
KLOPP WILL LIKELY RETURN TO THE 4-3-3 FORMATION
Liverpool this season used two formations. The first was 4-3-3 they used last season, and then 4-2-3-1 that became a regular system for them this year, with Mohammed Salah who gained freedom in the game behind the striker and Shaqiri who plays both wing and internal raider.
However, klopp tends to return to 4-3-3 against stronger teams. Asked if Manchester United still needs to be considered a strong team, we can answer easily: They have 16 points less than Liverpool in 16 matches. But here is Mourinho who always knows how to get something out of his sleeve. Klopp will expect a midfield battle against a physically strong team, so he should play with 4-3-3.
OPTIONS FOR THE MIDFIELD ROLE
Milner is likely to get a new role in this match, but for a little bit further. Therefore, the probable midfielder trio will be Henderson, Wijnaldum and Nabil Keita, who have recently showed a few sign of great performance, and they are in good shape and may probably be a little surprise starter for this game.
Shakiri seems to have to relinquish his place to Salah, which is likely to start on the right. Roberto Firmino will play as a false nine, and Sadio Mane will hold the left side.
Klopp's problem creates another part of the field. Liverpool, in a short period of time, suffered a double blow in the central defense. First Joe Gomez was injured, and then Joel Matip broke his key bone in the defeat against Napoli in the final moments of the match. That now means that Dejan Lovren will start off with Van Dijk on this match, but also in the duels in the coming weeks. They have a decent relationship when they are both starting as a center back, watching out for each others mistakes, although they both form a slow back line.
There is also a doubt in the performance of the right back, as Alexander-Arnold complains of injury. In such a situation, we again come to the name of James Milner who will be forced to play on the right back position. He played well against Bournemouth last time in the same position. Robertson will certainly start on the left back.
DEFENSIVE QUESTIONS FOR MOURINHO AND UNITED
Mourinho will be particularly worried by the threat of Liverpool's winger with the likes of Mane and Salah being in such a great form for Reds this season. The Defenders was excellent against Fulham last weekend, but their performance is now questionable. Mourinho will have to play with a quick footballer on a winged back position, and that should be Ashley Young who will make that cut. Although he is not a natural defender, but he is good in one-on-one situations and also with his good runs in the flanks. That means that Luke Shaw, although not ready enough, will have to take his place on the left back. Salah will have too much room if he plays against Shaw, so Mourinho is in doubt whether to start with him or with Mateo Darmian who is another option.
Eric Bailey will surely play with Phil Jones in the central backing positions because Victor Lindelof, Markos Rojo and Chris Smoling are out of the game.
MOURINHO WILL TRY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE WITH HIS MIDFIELDERS
Expect Mourinho to set the midfield with players who will be physically superior to those of Liverpool. Mourinho knows that he can not technically be worn with his opponent and will therefore try to use his supremacy. That means that Nemanja Matic will definitely starts, Ander Herrera will also play with him to provide energy, and maybe Marouane Fellaini will start. The other option, of course, is Paul Pogba - but the Frenchman did not play well in Valencia, so he is likely to start from the bench.
Also, Mourinho will try to use wing players who know well to perform their defensive tasks. That could mean Jessie Lingard will hold the right side against Robertson. Mourinho is likely to be more courageous with the use of Anthony Martial on the opposite wing position. Marcus Rashford is likely to play as a lone striker before Romelu Lukaku, who is not yet convincing in his appearances. Rashford's speed can be crucial.
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