By Emma Rhodes
This Sunday see’s one of the most anticipated Premier League games of the season as Liverpool travel to Manchester to meet arch rivals, United.
This time there is a lot to play for as the Reds battle for the Premier title, currently standing at second but needing that crucial win to secure their standing. Chelsea currently stand firmly at the top, five points clear, 2+ in goal differences with three more wins and four less draws than Liverpool, it remains quite tight regardless of recent form.
Recently Liverpool have faced a number of injuries including Philippe Coutinho who thought would be back for the Manchester City game on New Year’s Eve but only just returned this week at Southampton. Captain Jordan Henderson has also been declared injured with a recurring ankle injury. Klopp claims all injured players are on their way back to returning with no further injuries of late.
Up front we have a good selection of strikers including Roberto Firmino and, if Coutinho is available, the fellow Brazilian could be back to his scoring ways. Daniel Sturridge appears to be back to full fitness. He always make a strong contribution and will definitely be eager to get on that pitch come Sunday. Adam Lallana is another player who has come from strength to strength this season and many fans will be keeping their eye on the sharp southerner this weekend.
Some threats Manchester United pose for us this Sunday include a matching striking force in Zlatan Ibrahimović, who stands at 13 goals so far this season, but not too far behind is Liverpool’s own Sadio Mane who has an impressive nice goals, none of which are from penalties.
Jose Mourinho will also no doubt be playing his pre and post-match tactical games that we have seen plenty of times before, such as arriving pitchside early, commenting on referees and sometimes simply refusing to comment on anything. He is also often known for parking buses - a tactic which annoyingly seems to confuse Liverpool.
The ‘Chosen One’ has shockingly annoyed fans again this week, asking for a greater atmosphere - something he doesn’t believe he should have to ask for during a build to such a renowned derby as the fierce rivals meet.
Whilst Manchester United may stand sixth in the Premier League table, they are only five points behind Liverpool, meaning whilst the points are tight, neither team can afford a drop in momentum. After Sunday, Liverpool go on to play returning Plymouth after last Sunday’s weak performance, Swansea, Southampton, Chelsea, Hull, Tottenham, Arsenal, Burnley and of course Manchester City. All of these points make the difference and Liverpool will be focusing on clean sheets in order to remain serious contenders for the title.