High-flying tackles, attractive brand of football along with passionate fans is what makes up a Manchester United vs Liverpool rivalry, which is also regarded by some experts as the El-Classico of the English Premier League.
The two most decorated clubs of EPL are set for a crucial encounter on Saturday at Old Trafford, which neither team will want to finish second best.
Liverpool and United will want to use this match as a perfect push for the title challenge, which at the moment seems like a distant dream, especially after their below par performance in the season.
United and Liverpool have just scored three and two goals respectively in the EPL so far, which has not gone down well with fans of both the historic clubs.
However, there is no doubt about the quality players in Manchester United and Liverpool camps, which makes the game even more interesting, but Liverpool are going to miss the services of Philippe Coutinho -- the magician -- after his unfortunate red card against West Ham. Hence, Roberto Firmino, who was brought during the summer for 29 million pounds, needs to step into Coutinho's shoes against United.
Firmino and Coutinho possess a similar game, and hence the former has had to play under the latter's shadow. But with Coutinho unavailable, Firimno has a chance to impress his fans and justify his price tag in Coutinho's role.
Apart from missing Coutinho, the Reds have their doubts regarding the fitness of Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana, who could miss the game at Old Trafford.
United are also going to be without midfielder Michael Carrick, but to make it worse for Red Devils, Wayne Rooney, who got injured during the training session on Friday, may miss the crucial encounter, as reports suggest.
Howeveranother important question lies regarding the goalkeeper – David de Gea or Sergio Romero – with the latter having started all the games so far.
With De Gea not having played a single game for United this season, will United manager Louis van Gaal ask de Gea to don the gloves in such a crucial fixture especially after his deal with Real Madrid fell in the last minute?
However, Manchester United fans are relatively pleased after their goalie signed a new four-year contract. Van Gaal will take the final call on the goalkeeper.
Irrespective of that, Liverpool will be eager to get past the United goalie and help the team secure an important victory and leap ahead of United in the standings table. Christian Benteke, who came close to scoring against Arsenal, will be eager to convert such chances when it comes to Old Trafford.
The home fans, who are always vocal, specially against a bitter rival like Liverpool, will want their team to step up their game against their old foes.
If Wayne Rooney, who recently surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 49 goals, misses the Liverpool game, van Gaal might be forced to play their latest £36 million signing Anthony Martial alongside Memphis Depay upfront.
Van Gaal might have been apprehensive of throwing in a youngster to make his debut in what has always been one of the biggest games of the EPL, but he might be forced to take the risk.
On paper, there is nothing much to choose between the two teams. The game is expected to be a close one between the two giant teams of the EPL. Irrespective of the winner, neutral fans all over the world will be watching the game with keen interest for the United and Liverpool, to a certain extent, symbolise English football with 20 and 18 league titles respectively.
Where to Watch Live
Get the Video Highlights of Manchester United vs Liverpool HERE
Get the Live Blog and Score of the Derby HERE
Manchester United vs Liverpool EPL clash is scheduled for 5:30pm local time (10pm IST, 12:30pm ET) start. Indian TV viewers can watch the mega clash on Star Sports 4/HD with live streaming option and Starsports.com.
UK viewers can watch the Manchester United vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports 1/HD with live streaming option on Sky Go.
Viewers in the US can watch Manchester United vs Liverpool live on NBC Sports, while the game can also be live streamed on NBC Live Extra.
