With 8 wins from their last 8 games in all competitions, Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United are in top form ahead of their crunch tie against arch rivals Liverpool at the Old Trafford this weekend. Jurgen Klopp’s men are still without a victory this year and will hope to make things right in this game but Mourinho will have his plans to frustrate the visitors and take all three points from this game. The game is evenly poised and a result for either team can have a direct effect on the points table this weekend. Manchester United are expected to go for the kill to maintain their winning run while Klopp will hope to see his side in the game for as long as possible. Mourinho has a few issues to solve before picking up the team and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this game:
Team News:
Defender Eric Bailly is out of action as he is busy in Gabon playing in the AFCON. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo are the only major concerns for Mourinho ahead of this game but the duo is also expected to be back in action for this clash.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
David de Gea:
The shot-stopper for United, De Gea, has always been in top form in this clash in the past and Mourinho will hope that he will have a similar game this weekend.
Antonio Valencia:
The first choice right-back for United, Valencia, has been in decent form and should keep his place in the side for this game.
Phil Jones:
The English defender is the first choice for Mourinho in the absence of Bailly and he should start this game against Liverpool.
Marcos Rojo:
Just coming back from a knock, Rojo, who has been exceptional playing as a centre-back, should partner Jones in the backline against the Reds.
Matteo Darmian:
The Italian has been extensively used in the last few games and with Shaw still not back to full fitness, he might keep his place at left-back for the weekend.
Ander Herrera:
The Spanish midfielder has added a much-needed mettle to this United squad in the midfield and he is an automatic starter for the Red Devils in the Premier League.
Michael Carrick:
The veteran midfielder lends the needed balance to the squad that allows players around him excel. He should start this game, just in front of the back-4 for United.
Paul Pogba:
Slowly growing into the English league, Pogba, will hope to have an impact on this game which has the potential of making him a superstar.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan:
The summer buy for Mourinho, Mkhitaryan, has been excellent in the last few outings for the side and he is expected to start this game against Liverpool.
Anthony Martial:
Having scored his first goal as a United player against Liverpool, Martial, knows everything about this rivalry and he will hope to pitch in and help his side to a victory on the night.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
Having missed the last game through an illness, Zlatan is expected to be back in action this week and will be the biggest threat for the Reds at the Old Trafford.
